Fire Ants
What are fire ants?
The fire ant is the worlds most invasive species. They can inflict painful stings and are aggressive when disturbed.
Impacts of fire ants:
- Social: fire ants can restrict everyday activities such as picnics and outdoor play, and sporting activities, because backyards, parks, playgrounds, beaches and sports grounds become unusable.
- Economic: fire ants are a risk to the agriculture industry as they damage crops, farming equipment and can injure livestock. They can also affect our tourism industries, making popular destinations unattractive to visitors.
- Health: fire ants can cause injury or, in extreme situations, death to both humans, pets and animals in the areas they infest.
- Environmental: fire ants have the potential to displace and eliminate native wildlife. Fire ants eat and damage seeds, possibly causing major ecosystem changes over time. Fire ants also attack ground dwelling species including birds that feed on the ground.
Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, Queenslanders are legally required to report suspected sightings of fire ants within 24 hours of their discovery, and depending on the nests location take action to treat the pest.
What risk does fire ants present to our region?
Fire ants have arrived in Queensland. With identified sites just to the south of our region.
Fire ants are easily transported in organic materials such as soil, baled hay or straw, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf and potted plants. It is important that before moving any materials from one location to another, you are legally obligated to check no fire ants are present.
As the likelihood of fire ants infiltrating the Gympie region grows, it becomes crucial to learn how to identify them and understand the necessary steps if you suspect their presence.
It is important for anyone look, report and protect.
How to identify a fire ant
How do I report fire ants?
If you suspect fire ants you should immediately report via the online form or by calling 13 25 23.
Additional Information and training
Additional information can be by visiting the National Fire Ant Eradication website.
FREE online self-directed training is available for residents, workplaces and pest managers via the National Fire Ant Eradication Program