What do I do if I find fire ants?

What do I do if I find fire ants?

People are encouraged to report any signs of suspected red imported fire ant to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.Do not move any restricted items out of the control area.

How can you tell a fire ant from a regular ant?

One way to distinguish fire ants from other red ants is that they have a 2-segmented pedicel, which looks like two bumps on the ‘waist’ of the ant—the area between the thorax and abdomen. Their thorax lacks spines, and they also have 10 distinct antennal segments with a 2-segmented club at the ends.

Is it possible to stop the invasion of red fire ants?

The Queensland eradication program has suffered from insufficient and uncertain funding as well as arguments over how best to achieve eliminate the fire ant threat. However, a recent review of the program concluded that eradication remains technically feasible and in the national interest.

Why are fire ants spreading?

They mostly spread by budding – a new queen mates within the nest and then sets up a new nest just metres away. In the monogyne form, the virgin queens and the males mate in the air, the queens then fly 500 metres or so to build a new nest. The infestation between Brisbane and the NSW border has both forms.

How do I get rid of fire ants in Qld?

There are 2 options for treating fire ants on your property:

1. Buy and use fire ant bait. You can buy fire ant bait and treat the nests yourself.
2. Hire a pest manager to treat the fire ants for you. We recommend you engage a pest manager who has completed our training.

Can fire ants live in your house?

Red imported fire ants are very small, reddish/brown in color. They tend to stay outside, preferring to stay far away from people in the nearby homes. However, in their search for food, they can come indoors through even the tiniest of openings. Unlike some other ants, there will not be a central hole near the top.

What is the difference between red ants and fire ants?

The main difference between red ants and fire ants is that the red ants are light brown color fire ants whereas fire ants are the stinging ants that belong to the genus Solenopsis. Fire ants include red ants as well. They bite with their mouths, holding on and then stinging to inject venom into the prey.

When should I treat my yard for fire ants?

Early spring is one of the best times to apply fire ant baits because fire ants are actively foraging for food at this time. If you are going to treat only one time per year, do it in the spring.

What time of day are fire ants more active?

Best Time of Day Fire ants typically forage when temperatures are between 65 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During the hot, dry summer months, fire ants go deep below ground during the daytime, so insecticide treatments are more effective when applied in late afternoon or early evenings.

Are Fire Ants still a problem in Australia?

The National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program has made significant progress in eradicating fire ants from Australia. Surveillance is ongoing, and treatment and containment measures are continuing in areas of South East Queensland where the ants have been detected.

Can Biosecurity Queensland check for fire ants?

Biosecurity Queensland officers may require access to your property to check for fire ants and treat the property if needed. Officers will have Queensland Government ID. They will only require access to your yard. Does the fire ant sting?

Are fire ants dangerous to touch?

These small red ants are extremely aggressive and should not be touched. Fire ants have been found in a number of places in South East Queensland. Each property in an infested area must be treated to eradicate the fire ant. This may affect your property.

What is the fire ant biosecurity zone map?

The fire ant biosecurity zone map shows the biosecurity zones for fire ants in South East Queensland. The fire ant biosecurity suburbs register is a list of suburbs that fall within fire ant biosecurity zones.