Red Imported Fire Ants - what you need to know
26 September 2023
The red imported fire ant eradication program has been tackling Queensland’s fire ant infestation since 2001, but recent reports show infestation areas have grown from 40,000 hectares to more than 750,000 hectares over the past 22 years.
Of Australia’s invasive ant species, red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) pose the most serious threat to our biosecurity status because they move and colonise quickly, and have significant environmental, social and economic impacts.
The current Fire Ant Response Plan 2023-27 aims to tackle the fire ant infestation in Queensland.
What do fire ants look like?
Fire ants are reddish brown with black abdomens and vary in size from 2mm to 6mm long. They’re very aggressive, are agitated when disturbed and can inflict a fiery sting.
What this means for you
You have a major role to play in preventing the spread of fire ants.
Most states have a law which requires you to report the detection of a suspect pest within 48 hours of becoming aware of it.
Fire ants are spread by moving the queen in the nest (usually through soil) or when the queen and her mated female alates (winged ants) fly to a new site to make a new nest. Worker ants are sterile and die when separated from their nest and queen.
If your business is in a treatment and surveillance zone (see below), have a risk management plan in place.
Check your property regularly for fire ants and inspect vulnerable materials and transporters that come on site. Ensure nursery products originating from, and transport companies operating in the affected area, are taking adequate precautions and are implementing movement controls.
Why you should test your ant genetics
Genetic testing can be an invaluable tool. While there are many reasons to genetically test nests early, the most important is to quickly understand how to treat infestations.
Chemical management
Chemicals for treating fire ants are the insect growth regulators methoprene and pyriproxyfen. In special circumstances where fire ants pose a health threat, use hydramethylnon or chlorpyrifos.
Other management activities
Other key activities of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) include risk management and security, scientific and diagnostic services, community engagement, mapping, industry liaison, and education and training.
Current biosecurity treatment and surveillance plans
National investment in fire ant eradication has successfully prevented their establishment beyond South East Queensland. Without control, these ants could infest up to 97% of Australia, costing $2 billion a year, indefinitely.
In August 2023, the NFAEP, in collaboration with all cost-share partners, introduced a new Fire Ant Response Plan for 2023–27. Aligned with recent Strategic Program Review recommendations, it builds on over two decades of the world's most effective fire ant eradication efforts. The plan prioritises scaling up operations to bolster containment and compliance, intensifying program-led and community treatments with an outside-in approach.
The new containment area resembles a horseshoe, encircling the infestation from Moreton Bay in the north, extending west to the Lockyer Valley, east to the Gold Coast and south to the Tweed Shire. (See map 2 below.)
Unsure what type of ants you have?
Contact your local Extension Officer (more info here) or call the Exotic Plant Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Use the free Pest ID Too: pestid.com.au
Access the AntWiki identification tool at: www.antwiki.org/wiki/Category:Key_to_subfamilies
For more information, read our October 2023 Nursery Paper on fire ants at https://www.greenlifeindustry.com.au/communications-centre/october-nursery-paper.