Fire ants in Moreton Bay: New tool for residents

The fight against fire ants has taken a new turn, with residents in ‘suppression areas’ now able to treat fire ants and nests themselves using kits delivered to their homes.

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program and the Queensland Government’s Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce (FAST) have launched the initiative in a bid to speed up eradication of the pest.

Residents who report suspected fire ants or nests on their properties will receive a fast-acting fire ant treatment kit by mail, which includes products and detailed instructions.

The initiative is being funded by the State Government and aims to ensure people can return to enjoying their yards faster.

Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce Director Mick Jeffery says partnering with the community in the fight against fire ants is crucial to success.

“We can’t do it alone,” he says.

“We are confident that this new self-treatment approach will protect residents from the devastating impacts of fire ants, reduce infestation levels, and aid national eradication efforts.”

There are nine council areas in the suppression area, including parts of Moreton Bay such as North Lakes, some of the Pine Rivers and Hills Districts and the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Areas in the fire ant treatment area include greater Caboolture, parts of the Pine Rivers District, Samford Valley and Cedar Creek.

Surveillance areas are to the north and west of the treatment area.

Limiting the spread

Fire ant suppression aims to reduce the number of fire ants and limit their spread, giving eradication treatment the best chance of success.

A spokeswoman from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program says properties in the fire ant eradication area must be treated multiple times over several years, followed by targeted surveillance for five years.

“If fire ants are found on a property, within the eradication area, our team will treat the nests as one missed nest could jeopardise national eradication efforts,” the spokeswoman says.

Residents can find out if their property is in the eradication or suppression area by typing their address into the activities map.

“Fire ants can have devastating and irreversible impacts. They have negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity, human and animal health, agriculture, tourism, and social amenities,” the spokeswoman says.

“By working together, we are accelerating eradication efforts and securing the future of our Australian way of life.”