SCU scientist warns on fire ants

Southern Cross University entomologist Nigel Andrew warns that invasive fire ants are a major threat to Australia’s people and animals.

Fire ants have extremely aggressive traits and very painful bites

South Cross University entomologist Nigel Andrew says that South American fire ants – an extremely aggressive species which is rapidly spreading in Australia – are a real threat to people and animals.

First seen in Australia in Brisbane in 2001, they are though to have been accidentally introduced from a ship docked at the city’s port.

Now they are spreading fast. They have crossed into NSW and were found in Ballina in the NSW north coast early this year.

Fire ant warning sign on the Gold Coast.

“We need to now make quick and decisive decisions to eradicate this pest from southeast Queensland so it cannot spread any further and does not impact all our lives in the future,” said Professor Andrew, who is the chair of science at SCU.

He said that fire ants have an extremely painful sting, particularly when a swarm of the insects bite at once. They are small, between 2mm and 6mm long, copper brown in colour with darker abdomens, and they swarm when disturbed. They are known hitch rides on vehicles and can spread in mulch when it is transported.

Southern Cross University entomologist Nigel Andrew.

Queen fire ants can fly 2km to build a new nest, but winds can send them up to 30km.

“They have killed people (due to anaphylactic shock after being bitten) in the United States, removed livestock from infested paddocks and have decimated entire native ecosystems,” Professor Andrew said.

He said they can build super colonies with many queens and millions of ants. “Their nests look like mounds of dirt and you might find them on lawns, footpath edges, garden beds or in bushland,” he said.

Professor Andrew advised that if you discover a nest, don’t spray it. Photograph is from a safe distance and call the relevant authorities immediately, he said.