Fire ants affect us all
[ADVERTORIAL - Authorised by the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane]
Imagine a world where your backyard is no longer a safe place, picnics are plagued by excruciating stings, and your garden is overrun by fire ants. This disturbing scenario could become our reality if we don’t eradicate fire ants.
Although tiny in size, fire ants are among the most invasive in the world, threatening our environment, economy, human and animal health, and outdoor way of life.
They wreak havoc on crops, machinery and electrical equipment, and disrupt ecosystems by preying on native species. Severe infestations can render parks, playgrounds, and green spaces unusable – profoundly impacting our Australian way of life.
If fire ants are left untreated, they could infest 97 per cent of Australia, causing over $2 billion in damages annually. This would cost the average household an estimated $300 per year – funds that could be better spent on hospitals, roads, infrastructure, and education.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program aims to preserve our outdoor activities like backyard cricket, barbeques, and walking barefoot on grass. Our plan is to eradicate fire ants from Australia by 2032. To achieve this, we will:
• contain the current infestation
• carry out eradication treatment and surveillance
• strengthen compliance to stop the spread
• research and enhance eradication methods
• work with government, industry, and community to safeguard Australia from fire ants. Eradication treatment has started around the infestation in Queensland, targeting suburbs in Moreton Bay, Somerset, Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim, Brisbane City, and southern Gold Coast.
What is happening
Properties will receive multiple treatments over several years, even if fire ants are not visible. As areas are treated, eradication treatment will move inward until all areas are declared free of fire ants. Just one untreated property could jeopardise national eradication efforts.
Treatment is quick, easy, and safe – the only proven way to protect Australia from the devastating impacts of fire ants.
Dr Erin Wallace, Program Principal Scientist, emphasises that fire ants pose significant long-term threats. Fire ants can cause population declines in various species, including 45 per cent of birds, 38 per cent of mammals, 69 per cent of reptiles, and 95 per cent of amphibians.
“Fire ants are aggressive and attack in large groups, injecting toxic venom that causes painful stings, pustules, or blisters,” says Dr Wallace. “Research shows that up to 2 per cent of those stung by fire ants may experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.”
This highlights the urgent need for intervention, as fire ants not only pose health risks, but also threaten widespread destruction. Their invasion can cut farmers’ revenue, damage infrastructure, and close our popular tourist attractions, leading to substantial economic losses for Australians.
Without our program’s efforts, data modelling suggests fire ants could have spread north to Townsville, west past Longreach, and south to Albury by now, forever changing our way of life.
Eradicating fire ants is a national priority and a shared responsibility. Property owners and tenants in the eradication treatment area can help by:
• staying informed about planned eradication activities
• completing the property information form to inform us of any access issues, such as dogs, locked gates, animals, livestock, crops, and waterbodies
• allowing our eradication officers access to treat their properties. Our eradication officers are authorised under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld) to treat all Queensland properties.
Please be respectful and let them in. Complete the property information form at fireants.org.au/pif or phone 132 ANT (13 22 68).