"Dangerous" moves in fire ant battle

Alarm bells are ringing over “dangerous misinformation and disinformation” which is affecting work to eradicate fire ants.

The Invasive Species Council (ISC) says conspiracy theories – similar to climate change denial or anti-vaccination movements - are circulating, on and offline.

“These conspiracy theories are dangerous,” ISC Advocacy Manager Reece Pianta said, “they undermine the effectiveness of national eradication efforts and put Australians at risk.”

In the last 12 months close to 50 nests have been found in the Moreton Bay region, according to a map on the National Fire Ant Eradication Program website.

Most recently at D’Aguilar in October when City of Moreton Bay Council staff found a suspect ant nest during targeted surveillance.

The nest - and a second found by ISC officers - was destroyed using liquid insecticide the same day. Broadscale treatment and surveillance activities are underway.

“The tiny minority refusing treatments on their properties are undermining the National Fire Ant Eradication Program which needs to conduct eradication activities on 100 per cent of the targeted area,” Reece Pianta said.

“Reports of threats and intimidation against program staff, online and in person, are disgraceful and must stop.

“While we understand there are some well-meaning concerns, we want to assure everyone that fire ant treatments are safe, effective and do not harm animals.”

Fire ants are “one of the worst invasive threats to Australia’s wildlife” and if not eradicated in South-East Queensland will spread across most of the country.

“Eradication is still possible because of highly-targeted fire ant treatments which can completely remove fire ants from an area,” Reece Pianta said.

‘If fire ants aren’t eradicated this way, people take matters into their own hands, like in the US, pouring petrol on lawns and using chemicals off-label. This will be an environmental disaster."

The ISC is not involved in treating fire ants or the eradication program but supports the "program, its staff and that it is being conducted safely and professionally".

"The battle against fire ants is a critical race against time. We can’t let misinformation and disinformation impact public confidence and participation," Reece Pianta said.

"This will only put lives, the environment and our economy in danger.”

Check out the National Fire Ant Eradication Program fire ant program at fireants.org.au and its social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Common questions about fire ants:

Are fire ant treatments safe?

Fire ant treatment is highly targeted to fire ants and is the safest and most efficient way to eradicate one of the world's worst invasive species.

By acting now, we prevent indefinite use of harsh chemicals to treat fire ants in the future and save generations from far more expensive control measures.

Fire ants, on the other hand, are a direct threat to human health, with stings that can cause severe allergic reactions, hospitalisation and even death.

Wouldn’t hot water work instead?

Fire ants build dense, sprawling colonies and their queens are buried deep within. Boiling water or steam treatments may offer temporary effectiveness in managing individual fire ant nests but is not a safe, cost-effective, or reliable eradication method.

Can I treat nests with contact insecticides and ant powders?

Contact insecticides and ant powders are far harsher on the environment than the insect growth regulator products used by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. Many commercially available sprays spread through the wind, could damage nearby ecosystems and non-target species.

Are fire ant treatments going to kill my pets?

Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approves and regulates products used by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

Fire ant treatments are scientifically proven to be non-toxic to humans, animals, including cats and dogs, and the environment when used as directed. Fire ants can sting and cause injury or even death to pets.

Why do we treat areas that don’t have nests?

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is currently working in progressive 10km bands of eradication treatments moving steadily towards the Queensland coast. Treatments are followed by years of surveillance to guarantee eradication treatment success.