Ticino: new rules to combat invasive species for cross-border workers

Context

TL;DR

• Ticino supports municipalities against Tapinoma ants in 2026
• Nebulizing diffusers for tiger mosquitoes banned
• 18,000 Louisiana crayfish removed in 2025
• Mandatory boat cleaning between Ticino lakes

Key facts

• Invasive Species: Tapinoma ants, tiger mosquitoes, Louisiana crayfish, quagga mussels
• Year of Support: 2026 for Tapinoma ant financial support
• Crayfish Removal: 18,000 specimens removed in 2025
• Boat Cleaning: Mandatory before moving between lakes
• Reporting: Cross-border workers must report sightings to local authorities
• Nebulizing Diffusers: Banned due to ineffectiveness and potential hazards
• Prevention Methods: Remove stagnant water, use protective screens, report sightings
• Subsidies: Available for Tapinoma ant control from 2026

Tapinoma Ants: Financial Support for Municipalities

For 2026, the Canton of Ticino has introduced financial support for municipalities to combat the spread of the invasive Tapinoma ant. The measure requires municipalities to oversee the implementation of specific guidelines, collaborate with licensed pest controllers to complete technical forms, and apply for canton-level subsidies if needed. 'Municipalities are tasked with supervising adherence to specific guidelines, completing – in partnership with licensed pest controllers – dedicated technical forms, and potentially requesting subsidies,' explained Francesca Botta from the Air, Water, and Soil Protection section.

Cross-border workers residing in Ticino but working in Italy are urged to report any infestations to their local municipalities. Originating from Africa, the Tapinoma ant spreads rapidly and can damage electrical structures and household insulation. Municipalities must activate monitoring and intervention plans, with support from environmental consultants.

📊 Key Actions for Cross-Border Workers:

• Report suspected infestations to your municipality
• Follow local guidelines for prevention and containment
• Collaborate with municipal authorities during monitoring activities

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Tiger Mosquito: Nebulizing Diffusers Banned

Experts from the SUPSI Institute of Microbiology have deemed new nebulizing diffusers against the tiger mosquito ineffective and potentially hazardous. 'We strongly advise against using these diffusers. There is no scientific evidence of their effectiveness – they do not reduce the problem but may merely shift it elsewhere,' states Eleonora Flacio from SUPSI. Nebulized products can contaminate drinking water and nearby properties, while also posing risks to pets and food supplies.

Cross-border workers using gardens or balconies in Ticino must rely on traditional prevention methods, such as removing stagnant water. Municipalities are responsible for monitoring tiger mosquito populations and promoting awareness campaigns among residents and transfrontaliers.

💡 Safe Alternatives for Cross-Border Workers:

• Eliminate standing water in outdoor spaces
• Use protective screens on windows and doors
• Report sightings to local authorities for targeted monitoring

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Louisiana Crayfish: 18,000 Specimens Removed in 2025

The Louisiana crayfish was first detected in the Bolle di Magadino wetlands in 2021. By 2025, over 18,000 specimens had been captured and removed using various methods. Massimiliano Foglia from the Office for Nature and Landscape urged citizens to act: 'If you encounter this species, report it to our office or the Hunting and Fishing Office immediately. Do not relocate it to another water body, as it could colonize new habitats.'

Cross-border workers frequenting wetlands or waterways in Ticino are advised to report sightings of this crustacean, which threatens the local ecosystem. The Hunting and Fishing Office has set up a rapid reporting system to contain its spread.

⚠️ Critical Reporting Steps for Cross-Border Workers:

• Note the exact location of sightings
• Avoid disturbing the area to prevent further spread
• Contact authorities immediately for removal

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Quagga Mussels: Mandatory Boat Cleaning Between Lakes

The first larvae of the quagga mussel were detected in Ticino after infesting northern Alpine lakes. This species poses a threat to Ticino’s lakes by clogging water intake pipes. Mauro Marazzi from the Air, Water, and Soil Protection section announced: 'Anyone moving between lakes must clean and thoroughly dry all equipment before doing so.'

Boat operators, including cross-border workers using vessels for leisure or work, must adhere to strict cleaning and drying procedures before transitioning between different lake basins. Failure to comply may result in administrative penalties.

📊 Boat Cleaning Protocol for Cross-Border Workers:

• Rinse and clean boats, trailers, and equipment
• Allow all gear to dry completely before moving to another lake
• Report any suspicious findings to local authorities

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Note for Cross-Border Workers: Stay informed about local regulations and report any invasive species or pest sightings to municipal or cantonal authorities. Your collaboration is essential in protecting Ticino’s ecosystems and infrastructure.

Operational details

Impact on cross-border workers: what changes in practice

For cross-border workers who live in Ticino and commute daily to Italy, the new measures against invasive species impose additional responsibilities. For example, boat owners will need to undergo more frequent inspections before moving between different lakes, which could lead to delays in both recreational and professional activities. Cleaning equipment used for fishing or boating becomes mandatory, with procedures that include thorough drying to prevent the spread of quagga mussel larvae.

Cross-border workers using gardens or outdoor spaces will need to take extra care to prevent the spread of the tiger mosquito, avoiding the use of nebulizers and opting instead for traditional methods such as removing stagnant water. Reporting invasive species like the Louisiana crayfish or the Tapinoma ant also becomes a civic duty, with quick procedures available through the relevant cantonal offices.

📊 Key changes at a glance:

• Boat inspections before lake crossings
• Mandatory cleaning and drying of fishing/boating equipment
• Prevention of tiger mosquito breeding grounds in gardens
• Obligation to report sightings of invasive species

Operational procedures for municipalities and citizens

Ticino municipalities will need to implement coordinated intervention plans with cantonal offices and environmental consultants. For cross-border workers, this means greater collaboration with local authorities: timely reporting, adherence to guidelines, and participation in awareness campaigns. Cantonal subsidies for the eradication of Tapinoma ants, for example, may also be available to condominiums or cooperatives requesting interventions in shared areas.

SUPSI, in collaboration with municipalities, will organize training courses for citizens and professionals in the nautical sector, explaining the new cleaning and prevention procedures. These courses will also be accessible to interested cross-border workers, with flexible schedules to facilitate participation.

💡 Where to find support:

• Cantonal environmental offices for reporting invasive species
• Municipal administration for local guidelines
• SUPSI training sessions for practical advice

Worst-case scenario: what happens if measures are not followed

Failure to report invasive species such as the Louisiana crayfish could result in administrative sanctions by cantonal authorities. For quagga mussels, failing to clean boats may lead to the colonization of new lake habitats, with severe consequences for water supply and ecosystems. The improper use of nebulizers against tiger mosquitoes can cause environmental and health contamination, posing public health risks and incurring penalties for the misuse of chemical products.

Cross-border workers who do not comply with the new rules may face restricted access to certain areas or boats, as well as fines. It is therefore essential to stay informed promptly by contacting cantonal offices or the municipality of residence to avoid unpleasant surprises.

⚠️ Consequences of non-compliance:

• Administrative fines
• Restricted access to lakes or boats
• Environmental damage and public health risks
• Potential denial of cantonal subsidies

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Key points

Step-by-step guide for cross-border workers: how to avoid penalties

1. Report invasive species: If you spot Tapinoma ants, Louisiana crayfish or quagga mussels, contact the Office for Nature and Landscape (Hunting and Fishing Office) or your local municipality immediately. Keep location data and a photo of the specimen handy to facilitate checks.

2. Clean boats and equipment: If you own a boat or use nautical equipment, ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and dried before moving between different lakes. Use specific detergents and follow the procedures outlined by the Air, Water and Soil Protection Section. For more details, consult the SUPSI guide on quagga mussel prevention.

3. Tiger mosquito prevention: Eliminate all standing water in gardens, balconies or outdoor areas. Avoid chemical sprays and instead use natural methods, such as introducing larvivorous fish into ornamental ponds. For practical advice, contact your local municipality or visit the dedicated section on the SUPSI website.

4. Monitoring Tapinoma ants: If you notice Tapinoma ant nests, do not attempt to eliminate them yourself. Report the issue to your local municipality, which will arrange for authorised pest control services. Canton subsidies for interventions are available upon formal request by the municipal administration.

5. Documentation and deadlines: Keep track of all reports and procedures carried out. Cantonal authorities may request documentation in the event of inspections. For boat cleaning, ensure you meet the deadlines set by your municipality, especially during the tourist season.

💡 Practical tip: Download the official Ticino Canton app for reporting invasive species, available for iOS and Android. The app allows you to send geolocated photos and receive real-time updates on active prevention measures in your area.

Deadlines and useful references

• Reporting invasive species: At any time, through the Office for Nature and Landscape or your local municipality.
• Boat cleaning: Mandatory before moving between different lakes. Consult the SUPSI guidelines for detailed procedures.
• Tapinoma ant control subsidies: Requestable through your local municipality, with procedures active from 2026.
• SUPSI courses: Scheduled for 2026. Registrations open in January 2026 on the SUPSI website.

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Source: rsi.ch