Entomologists Antonio Pérez and Irene Santos from the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology have confirmed the presence of the highly invasive and harmful little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) in Los Cristianos, a popular coastal town in Tenerife. The town is renowned for its UK-centric pubs and restaurants, golden sandy beaches, and water sports. These ants, measuring just 1.5mm in length, are capable of delivering painful stings, particularly when they attack in large numbers. They can also cause significant environmental damage, having previously been known to blind animals, force livestock removal from infested areas, and devastate native ecosystems. The ants often form supercolonies that can extend for hundreds of kilometres.
The Canarian Weekly reported that the invasive species was discovered near a complex on the edge of a golf course in Los Cristianos, prompting immediate containment efforts by the local government. It is suspected that the ants, native to Central and South America, may have arrived on the island through imported plants, although this has not been confirmed.
The Canary Islands government has already initiated measures to assess the extent of the infestation and is preparing for possible eradication efforts. Local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual ant activity to the authorities.
For those concerned about the presence of these invasive ants, an alternative destination within the Canary Islands might be appealing. El Hierro, once thought to be the “end of the world,” remains the least crowded island in the archipelago. Known for its rich wildlife waters, delicious seafood, and natural swimming pools, El Hierro offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling nightlife of Tenerife. The Canary Islands’ official tourism board highlights the island’s diverse scenery, noting that its small size allows visitors to enjoy a relaxing swim at the coast and then take a walk among Canary Island pines or laurisilva species within a short time.
While there are no direct flights from the UK to El Hierro, return flights from Tenerife are available for as little as £80 during the summer months. The island offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets. For example, a one-week stay at Apartamentos y Habitaciones Villa Marina, from July 14 to 21, costs just £224 for two adults sharing a one-bedroom home with two single beds and a sofa bed. For a more luxurious option, Hotel Puntagrande, set on a lava rock promontory surrounded by the ocean, is available for £1,446 on the same dates.
