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These little critters are taking over Australia, and are now considered to be a national threat.
Queensland has been dealing with the spread of this invasive ant species since 2001. It has begun to spread across the nation, and now everyone are feeling the destructive effects in homes, across farms and in urban settings.
The best thing to do in an invasive species situation is to stay well informed, so let’s go through what a fire ant actually is, how they pose a threat and the best course of action if you spot a nest of them.
What are fire ants?
Originating from South America, red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are an invasive species that have an aggressive temperament and a bad sting. These ants were first found in Brisbane in 2001, and have likely been introduced from shipping containers that have come from the US.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program lists their features as:
- Copper brown in colour with a darker abdomen.
- Quite small at 2 – 6 mm.
- Found in a variety of sizes within the one nest.
Australia is considered to be the perfect place for fire ants to inhabit, as there are no natural predators to slow their spread, and the climate is 95% inhabitable.
Other fire ant features that have been noted include:
- They can spread both above and under ground.
- They can fly up to 5 kilometres.
- They can form their own rafts to float across water.
- Their nests have no obvious entry or exit holes and look like dome-shaped mounds or patches of disturbed dirt.
Why are fire ants a threat?
Fire ants are a threat for many different facets within Australia, including:
For the environment and native species
Fire ants are able to eat animals and insects that nest on the ground. This includes lizards, frogs and mammals, which can be detrimental to household pets, native species and farmed animals as well.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Plan said the pest would have “a flow-on effect to the entire ecosystem with the potential to eliminate species”.
For crops and farms
Within the US, fire ants have had a huge impact on crops of fruits and vegetables, including corn and potatoes.
The Invasive Species Council has predicted that “Farm outputs may drop by up to 40%, with many canegrowers and plant nurseries in South East Queensland already feeling significant impacts.”
For humans
The main threat for humans is the fire ant’s bite.
In March, as explained by the ABC, National allergy bodies told a Senate Inquiry into Red Imported Fire Ants that 174,000 people could develop severe allergic reactions to the insect’s bite if it became endemic in Australia.
How far have fire ants spread?
Fire ants have been documented since the early 2000’s in Queensland, but they have since spread far and wide. In January 2024, fire ants have been found south of Ballina, meaning they have broken through the border into NSW.
In Queensland, Moreton Bay, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Southern Downs, Scenic Rim and the Gold Coast are the focus of critical eradication work, however, there are many more areas at risk or already ‘invaded’ by this damaging ant species.
There is a fire ant map you can view from the National Fire Ant Eradication program to see how the spread is moving.
Treatments available
According to the ABC, ‘he state and federal governments are spending an extra half a billion dollars on the National Fire Ant Eradication Plan to combat the ants’ spread.
While surveillance is a key part of this plan, there are also baiting programs underway in Northern NSW, and treatment available for farms, crops and households in Queensland.
There are currently two treatments available – insect growth repellent and fast-acting insecticide.
The baits are made up of corn grit soaked in soybean oil. They are designed so that the fire ants will collect it and bring it back to the colony for other ants to eat. It’ll then kill worker ants, larvae and the queen ant, before breaking down quickly.
It is considered safe for humans and pets.
What you can do to help
Since we’re in a stage of heavy surveillance, it is important to both keep up to date on the fire ant spread, and report any sighting of them on your property.
You can report an infestation to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program by calling 13 25 23. You can also find more information about the fire ant spread and treatments available from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program website.
It is recommended that after sighting any fire ants or fire ant nests, you take the proper precautions and seek treatment for your property.
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