Fire ant nests found in Oakey
Invasive fire ants have been detected the furthest west than ever before putting the region on red alert. Here’s why these ants are dangerous, and what to do if you find some.
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The presence of small, invasive copper-brown ants in Oakey has set off warning systems across the state, as the eradication program scrambles to ensure the nests are destroyed.
The alert comes as more than 70 fire ant nests were found at Oakey Army Aviation Centre last month.
Most Australians know what a green ant sting feels like, and while a single fire ant has a similar sting, the way they attack is completely different.
Fire ants swarm when they attack, meaning when disturbed they act in unison, sting all together at once, leaving rash-like bites which can last weeks, can result in secondary infections and sometimes lead to anaphylactic shock, Invasive Species Council advocacy director Jack Gough said.
The advocacy group predicts the spread of these ants could cause up 650,000 extra medical appointments each year.
Should they get out of control, fire ants are expected to have a $2bn impact on Australia’s economy, could cut agricultural output by up to 40 per cent, and will devastate wildlife, Mr Gough said.
In January 2024, the ants wreaked havoc on Hession Oval in the Gold Coast forcing Helensvale Cricket Club to abandon one match and move the next two matches after they were spotted on the grounds.
Sporting grounds aside, the fire ants damage more than 50 types of agricultural and horticultural crops by tunnelling through roots and stems and in the US infestations have been reported to cause 30 – 60 per cent reduction in yields to crops such as potatoes and corn.
Fire ants can also damage electrical and agricultural equipment, such as air conditioners, meter boxes and traffic signal boxes, by chewing through the insulation and causing a short circuit.
The danger of the fire ants finding a permanent habitat in Australia could be irreversible, as the ants are incredibly resilient and can survive through both droughts and floods, finding endless habitat throughout Australia.
Another way they travel is by creating “rafts” and floating along waterways until they find an appropriate location to settle.
“This is concerning as Oakey is within the Murray Darling Basin and if the fire ants are found there they can then move really long distances within the catchment spreading to the rest of Australia,” Mr Gough said.
Fire ants also travel long distances by hitching rides with soil, mulch or hay as humans transport organic materials around the country or the world.
This is how the original outbreak occurred in Brisbane in 2001.
While efforts to eradicate and suppress the small, swarming creatures have definitely limited their outbreak in Brisbane, more is needed to achieve eradication, Mr Gough said.
Oakey has become a new frontline on a growing list of locations where outlier nests have popped up outside of Brisbane, with nests found on all borders of the containment zone – north of Brisbane towards Caboolture and the Sunshine Coast and further south from the Gold Coast towards Ballina in northern NSW.
The government has already spent $593m required in the first four years of a ten year eradication program, Mr Gough said.
“The 2021 National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program strategic review estimated that at least $200 to $300m per year will be required for ongoing eradication efforts to achieve eradication by 2032,” he said.
“We have no confidence the level of funding matches what is needed with the boots on the ground to eradicate the ants.”
However, a key part of containing the fire ants spread is through community’s spotting and reporting the ants, he said.
“A key message is to be out and about with your phone and send in photos of any suspicious ants to fireants.org.au.”
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program confirmed that all fire ant nests originally detected were contained to one infected property and have been treated.
The nests appear to proliferate, as the ants disperse and make new nests in an attempt to survive the poison, however this is to be expected, an eradication spokesman said.
“Eradication activities will occur up to 5km out from the detection site to protect the area and ensure no undetected fire ants and nests remain,” they said.
“This radius is treated because ants have been known to fly 4-5km.”
About fire ants
Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and range in size from 2-6mm long. Their ant nests are distinctive mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy-looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40cm high, with no obvious entrance holes.
Fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people, pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals, and damage ecosystems beyond repair.
Those who breach the emergency biosecurity order could face significant penalties with fines for breaches reaching up to $1.1m for an individual and up to $2.2m for a corporation.
Fire ants can form rafts during flood events, stowaway in freight or soil, or spread by queen ant flights of around 5km per year (and up to 30km in favourable conditions).
Fire ants came into Australia in the late 90s in freight from the United States, they were found in 2001. Fire ants are originally from South America.
Fire ants have spread across most of the southern United States, and are spreading in China at a rate of about 80km per year. Australia has managed to contain fire ants in south east Queensland since 2001 however under-resourcing has prevented successful eradication.
Eradication Program
A ten-year eradication program has been developed, with $593m required in the first four years.
The 2021 National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program strategic review estimated that at least $200 to $300m per year will be required for ongoing eradication efforts to achieve eradication by 2032.
Fire ants can be lethal to humans, are expected to have a $2bn per year impact on Australia’s economy if they get out of control, will devastate wildlife, cut agricultural output by up to 40 per cent and may cause up to 650,000 extra medical appointments each year.
How to report a suspected fire ant nest
Keep your eyes peeled for suspicious ants or ant mounds when you’re out in the garden, at the park, taking a walk, camping or at the beach. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what type of ant it is, every report is vital information for the eradication program.
Be mindful of your safety if you think you have found fire ants. Keep your distance and do not put yourself, clothing or belongings in direct contact with fire ants or their nests.
Take a photo or short video of the ants on your smartphone. Try to take a few close ups of the ants and their nest.
Report fire ants to:
Queensland: 13 25 23 or www.fireants.org.au
NSW: 1800 680 244 or https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/forms/report-exotic-ants
If you think fire ants are on your property, find advice on what to do by visiting: https://www.fireants.org.au/treat/residential-landowner-or-tenant
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