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.

According to the « Bauern Zeitung », Asian hornets are now also building their nests in traditional high-stem orchards and hedgerows. If a nest is discovered, it should under no circumstances be disturbed, says Marianne Tschuy of the Canton of Bern's Asian Hornet Coordination Office. Instead, the sighting should be reported via www.asiatischehornisse.ch. In the meantime, several cantons are also reporting the spread and sighting of the Asian hornet, such as the Canton of St. Gallen.

Although various startups are now developing traps to combat the Asian hornet, experts view them critically: the models currently available are not sufficiently selective. While they catch numerous insects, they trap comparatively few Asian hornets – and can thus also harm native species.

Asian Tiger Mosquito: Aggressive invader continues to spread

Due to warm weather and climate change, the Asian tiger mosquito is continuing to expand its reach in Switzerland and around Lake Constance. As reported by "Nau.ch", the mosquito was recently detected in Sissach (BL), where experts are now searching for breeding sites. SWR also reports a rise in cases, such as in Constance. The tiger mosquito is particularly aggressive, bites during the day unlike native mosquitoes, and can transmit tropical diseases like the dengue virus.

The insects prefer to lay their eggs in small pools of standing water, such as rain barrels or watering cans. While the public can help by emptying standing water, this alone is not enough to effectively stop the mosquitoes in towns and villages: the targeted use of pest control agents (biocides) remains indispensable.

Japanese Beetle causes damages running into millions of francs

As in previous years, the Japanese beetle is also continuing to spread. According to the "Berner Zeitung", the insect is making life difficult for winegrowers in Spiez, among others. According to the FOAG, damages amount to several hundred million francs per year. To further contain its spread, a watering ban has even been enacted in the affected areas.

Among those impacted are several municipalities in the Zurich Unterland. In Opfikon, Dietlikon, Bassersdorf, Lufingen, Winkel, Oberglatt, and Rümlang, watering lawns and green spaces is prohibited for several months. Anyone failing to comply with the ban faces a fine of up to 10,000 francs, as reported by the "Tages-Anzeiger".

Anyone who thinks they can violate the rules without consequences is mistaken. As the Department of Building and Public Works announced, cantonal staff are regularly patrolling the municipalities to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Plant Protection Products and Biocides Are Indispensable

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.

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.