The current situation is a wake-up call: as various reports show, numerous invasive species are on the rise in Switzerland and pose a growing threat. In several regions of the country, invasive Tapinoma ants have been discovered, forming vast supercolonies that put pressure not only on buildings but also on local ecosystems. This was reported, among others, by “Zürioberland24”. At the same time, authorities are reporting a sharp increase in Asian hornet nests. The insect is spreading rapidly. The “Aargauer Zeitung” even speaks of “four times more nests” than in the previous year.

As in recent years, the Japanese beetle also continues to spread. The insect is making life increasingly difficult for winegrowers in Spiez, as reported by the “Berner Zeitung”. To further stop its spread, irrigation bans have already been imposed in affected areas.

Plant Protection Products and Biocides Are Indispensable

The fact that such species can establish themselves in Switzerland is a direct consequence of our globalised world. They “travel” with us – whether in private luggage, commercial goods or through the international plant trade. Since they often have no natural enemies in our region, they find ideal conditions here to reproduce unchecked.

The consequences for Switzerland are severe. The Asian hornet is decimating honeybee populations. The Japanese beetle feeds on meadows, gardens and agricultural crops. Invasive ants displace native species and severely disrupt ecological balance.

Combating invasive species is complex and often laborious. Once a population has become established, natural regulatory mechanisms are no longer sufficient. This is why authorities continue to rely on the active support of the public: sightings of Asian hornets should be reported. The Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) is also urging the public to remain vigilant through the campaign www.stop-japanese-beetle.ch: travellers are asked to carefully inspect vehicles and luggage before returning and remove any insects they find. Such measures have already helped keep the population in Ticino largely under control.

To effectively combat the Japanese beetle or the Asian hornet, we need modern plant protection products and biocides. Restrictions that prevent the use of these necessary tools play into the hands of invasive species and risk leaving us on the losing side in the long-term effort to preserve biodiversity.

Monitoring and Acting Instead of Standing By

Invasive species are a long-term challenge that is being accelerated further by climate change. To protect our agriculture and native ecosystems, we need pragmatic solutions instead of ideological blockades. Only through the consistent and professional use of modern plant protection products and control measures such as biocides can we effectively contain the spread of these pests and preserve biodiversity in the long run.