Four yellow crazy ant colonies detected in Townsville
A huge pest infestation at Townsville threatens to get larger, potentially seeing kids not allowed to play outdoors or pets being kept inside if the problem is not treated soon. SEE WHAT SUBURBS ARE AT RISK >>>
Townsville
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The city is at risk of being invaded by a threatening pest which can badly injure people and pets, but lacks the money to fight against it.
Townsville Yellow Crazy Ant Taskforce community co-ordinator Bev Job warned there are now four “super colonies” in Douglas, Nome, Mount St John and Black River which can span for several kilometres.
“Where there are yellow crazy ants, there are literally thousands of them and no other animal species, because they have wiped them out,” she said.
“People’s dogs are being burned, and we even had wallabies euthanised because they were burned.”
The ants are usually about 4mm long and are named after their erratic, frantic, movements when disturbed.
As a defence, yellow crazy ants spray formic acid.
Ms Job was concerned of the impacts the spread could have in Townsville.
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“Imagine not being able to let your kids play in their own backyard, having to keep your pets inside and even being at risk trying to walk around the river. These are all a reality under the current infestations, which will only get larger and more dangerous if left untreated,” she said.
Ms Job was concerned a lack of funding would bring to a halt control programs.
“The Invasive Species Council state grant for the Nome area runs out in September. After September, there will literally be no money allocated to this program, or any of the other untreated suburbs in Townsville,” she said.
A Townsville City Councils spokesman said the ants, native to Africa, were one of the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species which can impact natural environments and horticulture industry.
“Townsville City Council’s environmental restoration team is currently monitoring, and taking action to treat, (yellow crazy ant) colonies in Douglas, Mount St John, Black River and Alligator Creek/Nome. The team has sufficient pesticides remaining from the 2019/2020 year for its 2020/21 treatment program,” he said.
People in those suburbs are asked not to remove green waste, soil, or outdoor furniture which could house the ants; mulch green waste on properties; and check cars, boats and trailers before travelling.
People should phone 134 810 to report suspected yellow crazy ant colonies.
Originally published as Four yellow crazy ant colonies detected in Townsville
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