Ann Wason Moore finds signs warning residents about fire ant spraying on conspiracy group, Aussie Flyers

There are literal signs that the national fight against fire ants is going to turn into suburban warfare on the Gold Coast. Check them out

To paraphrase Billy Joel, we didn’t start the fire (ant conspiracy) … but it sure looks like we’re all about to get burned.

Checking the mail this week, our household received an official fire ant treatment notification. Personally, I’m all for this. I grew up in Texas where fire ants run rampant and cost the local economy about $1 billion per year in damages, not to mention the state has recorded more fire ant-related deaths than anywhere else in the US. When the invasive species first started marching on Texas soil, no one really knew what to do.

But here in Australia, we now have decades of research to draw from, so the notice that our property would be treated is a relief. Not that it really matters what I think because, as per the notice, ‘fire ant treatment is mandatory’.

“It is quick, easy and safe. We must treat 100 per cent of targeted properties, whether fire ants are visible or not,” said the letter from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

“Just one untreated property could jeopardise our national eradication efforts.

“Under section 261 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 (Qld), we are authorised to access and treat all Queensland properties. We will only access outdoor areas, not your home or other buildings.”

Uh oh.

Remember the last time there was a ‘mandatory’ treatment for public health and safety? Yeah, didn’t go down too well with the tinfoil hat brigade.

And, sure enough, just days after receiving that note, I noticed a resident’s response posted on their front gate.

“Fire Ant Eradication Team: NO SPRAYING!

“DO NOT apply within 8m of waterways when using ground based equipment. This area is a waterway and these drains discharge into aquatic environments. DO NOT USE POISON, DO NOT SPRAY.”

Signs warning residents about fire ant spraying on conspiracy group, Aussie Flyers.

This was accompanied by another sign which stated:

“TRESPASS IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.

“ADMITTANCE TO THIS PROPERTY IS BY INVITATION OR APPOINTMENT ONLY OTHERWISE TRESPASS APPLIES.

“Defence of a Dwelling House (s267) It is lawful for a person who is in peaceable possession of a dwelling … to use force to prevent or repel another person from unlawfully entering or remaining in the dwelling.

“OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED AND PENALISED ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($1,000,000)

AUSTRALIAN (UCC 3-419) PER PERSON PER OFFENCE OF VIOLATING THIS TRESPASS NOTICE”

Using my handy Google reverse image search, I discovered both these signs come from a group called Aussie Flyers, a true jumbo mix of all your favourite conspiracies. From 9/11 Truthers to Covid to Fluoride and now fire ants.

Signs warning residents about fire ant spraying on conspiracy group, Aussie Flyers.

By the way, those signs above can be purchased from the site for the low, low cost of $108. Never mind that you could print them out for free. But I guess printers might contain harmful chemicals. While this site claims to be national, even international, it looks like its base is right here in Burleigh Heads.

Now, I understand that notification of a mandatory pest spraying might seem abrasive, but there are assurances this is safe and will not, in fact, shrink the heads of babies (yes, that’s really what the conspiracists say). “The active ingredients are the same as those used in household and agricultural pest control, but at much lower concentrations and at incredibly low application rates,” said Dr Erin Wallace, senior scientist for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program

“Pet owners use these ingredients frequently for everyday tick and parasite prevention on their animals, often at a higher dosage.

“There is no plausible evidence that fire ant treatment is dangerous to pets, animals, people or the environment when used according to Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s permits.”

Fire ants. Photos: Invasive Species Council

The truth is that just about anything, when used at extreme levels, can prove harmful or fatal – including pure H20.

Of course I’m not going to convince anyone to take off their tinfoil hat, conspiracists are going to conspire, but I am concerned at just what is going to happen when these eradication teams come through our neighbourhoods.

Already, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program says there has been an increase in physical and psychological harassment and intimidation of treatment teams, both in person and online.

And now, it’s coming to a neighbourhood near you.

Originally published as Ann Wason Moore finds signs warning residents about fire ant spraying on conspiracy group, Aussie Flyers