Tiny, relentless, and armed with venom: Wasmannia auropunctata, better known as the electric ant or fire ant, is quietly advancing across urban Spain, experts have warned.
First detected in Marbella in 2018, the invasive insect has now taken hold in several towns along the Costa del Sol, as well as Elche in Alicante and the Canary island of Tenerife.
Native to South America (Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay) this species is now classed among the 100 most harmful invasive species on the planet, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
A sting that scars and blinds
The fire ant’s venom can trigger intense pain, severe allergic reactions, and in some animals, blindness.
Documented cases from other continents describe pets and wildlife, from cats and chickens to jaguars and even elephants, losing their sight after contact with these ants.
So far in Spain, there have been no confirmed cases of blindness in pets. But bites have been reported, particularly in southern urbanised areas where colonies are now well-established.
According to 20Minutos, vets warn that if a pet’s eye appears irritated after possible exposure, owners should flush it with saline and seek treatment immediately.
An environmental wrecking ball
The fire ant’s threat doesn’t end with bites. Beneath the surface, their vast colonies excavate underground networks, disrupting topsoil, accelerating erosion, and damaging the land’s ability to retain water and nutrients. Their constant digging compromises plant roots, alters microhabitats, and weakens fragile ecosystems.
In gardens and agricultural zones, they damage crops by chewing young roots, and their dome-like mounds can block irrigation systems. Insects and native ant populations vanish where the fire ant moves in, collapsing local food chains and draining biodiversity.
Where are they now?
From Mijas and Estepona to Benalmadena, the fire ant’s foothold along the southern Spanish coast is growing. The latest outbreaks in Elche and Tenerife mark a worrying spread.
Colonies are typically found in residential gardens, landscaped zones, and on rare occasions inside homes, especially in warm, humid rooms like kitchens.
Omnivorous and opportunistic, these ants feed on small insects, plant sap, seeds, and human food scraps, making urban life ideal for them. With multiple queens per nest, their colonies multiply fast, often unnoticed until it’s too late.
How did they get here?
The ants likely arrived via imported ornamental plants, nursery soil, timber, and other materials carrying stowaway eggs or live ants. Southern ports and logistics hubs, with their mild climates and constant moisture, offered perfect landing grounds.
What to do if you’re stung
Don’t be fooled by their size. A fire ant sting can feel like a burning needle, leaving redness, swelling, and even blisters.
First step should be to wash the area with soap and water. Don’t scratch, and don’t pop blisters as it increases the risk of infection and scarring.
Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or an allergic reaction sets in.
Local cold, such as an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, should be applied for 10 to 15-minute intervals.
The cold helps reduce swelling, soothe pain, and slow the inflammatory reaction. Topical antihistamine or corticosteroid creams can also be used to relieve itching and inflammation.
Read more Spain news at the Spanish Eye.
