Brits told to 'remain vigilant' as one of world's most invasive ants found in Spanish tourist hotspot

One of the world's most invasive species of ants has been discovered in Spain.

The harmful bug, known as the electric ant, was found in the Tenerife town of Los Cristianos at a golf complex, by entomologists Antonio Pérez and Irene Santos from the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology.

According to Canarian Weekly, local authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant following the ant's discovery, as it remains unclear how it arrived in the tourist hotspot.

The little fire ant, which is also known as the electric ant, originates from South American countries but has spread across the world, including to France, Israel and now Spain.

Its sting can cause painful reactions, which in some cases can be severe in both humans and animals.

Following the discovery, the Government of the Canary Islands launched a containment strategy in a bid to eradicate the ant.

While it poses a risk to humans, the ant can also devastate wildlife by displacing native species.

Los Cristianos is the largest of Spain's Canary Islands, and is a water sports hub, famous for its wide promenade.

Meanwhile, Brits also travelling to Spain were recently warned after a deadly virus that can cause multiple organ failure was detected in the country.

The Foreign Office issued the alert on its dedicated website Travel Health Pro after a case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) was found in Salamanca.

In an official statement, it said: 'On 28 May 2025, local health officials have reported a confirmed case of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Salamanca.

'The case was exposed via a tick bite.'

CCHF is a tick-borne virus, with mild symptoms such as dizziness, high fever, headache, sore eyes, diarrhoea and muscle pain.

However, more severe effects include bleeding and bruising and can lead to rapid kidney deterioration well as organ failure.