Fire ant nests found at Ipswich school

A VIGILANT teacher has been credited with identifying fire ant nests at an Ipswich school.

A VIGILANT teacher has been credited with identifying fire ant nests at an Ipswich school.

Biosecurity Queensland today confirmed the detection of Red Imported Fire Ants at Amberley District State School, Yamanto.

A spokesperson from Biosecurity Queensland said three mounds were reported to the authority by a "vigilant teacher".

"The nests have been destroyed and bunting erected around the nests. The immediate vicinity will be bait treated with an insect growth regulator," the spokesperson said.

Field teams were sent in on Wednesday to look for more nests at the school, and the authority is working with staff to make sure kids are safe and parents are up to date.

"Residents of Yamanto are urged to check their properties for fire ants, and to report any suspect ants or ant nests to Biosecurity Queensland," the spokesperson said.

Red imported fire ants can inflict a painful sting and pose a significant social, economic and environmental threat.
They are reddish-brown in colour with a darker abdomen and are two to six millimetres in length.

Anyone who suspects they have found fire ants should contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.