Bait backyards now to eliminate poisonous fire ants in northern Gold Coast suburbs

Authorities are saying now, more than ever, locals should be baiting for fire ants to avoid a painful allergic reaction as backyards get busy with families isolating. Here’s how to do it.

LOCAL families spending more time at home are being urged to treat fire ants in their backyard to protect themselves and their children from getting bitten and suffering a painful allergic reaction.
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With the poisonous creatures found invading the northern suburbs such as Coomera, Upper Coomera and Pacific Pines, children were more likely to be exposed to a dangerous sting.

Dr Wendy Craik from the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program said families were spending more time in yards due to isolation.

The red imported fire ants pose a huge biosecurity threat. Photo Contributed

“Fire ants swarm and collectively inflict a painful sting and in rare cases this can result in a severe acute allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening,” she said.

“Some victims can require hospitalisation — this is the last thing our community needs, and is the last thing our hospitals and health services need at the moment.

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“The program is continuing its eradication treatment as planned — unless instructed otherwise by the Federal or Queensland Governments.

She said locals could purchase fire ant bait online from local retailers in case of future shutdowns, and follow the instructions on the bait label.

“Off the shelf treatments can help suppress fire ant populations and prevent them taking over your yard,” she said.

Tiny but painful. Fire ants seen to scale on the tip of an pencil. Biosecurity Queensland is ramping up efforts to eradicate the invasive pest as families stay home.

“Or you can engage a licensed pest manager to conduct the treatment for you, as many now have been trained by the program to treat fire ants.

“If residents cannot treat fire ants themselves, call the program and we will come and treat as soon as possible.

The program’s field teams are observing social distancing and hygiene rules when they treat properties.

“If our officers need to speak with the resident they will knock on the door and then step back 1.5 metres,” she said.

For information, visit daf.qld.gov.au/fireants or call 13 25 23.