Fire Ant Eradication Campaign

Fire ants have been found at all types of properties across the State. To eradicate the fire ant, every home in the infested areas must be treated. This means that your property may be affected.

What are fire ants?

Fire ants are redder and more aggressive than normal garden ants, but are otherwise similar to them. They form nests which can look like small mounds.

Why the fuss over fire ants?

Fire ants can inflict a painful sting. They invade our backyards, parks and playgrounds. They can injure people and animals and injure crops. Any further spread of the fire ant could be disastrous for our lifestyle, agriculture and environment. The Government needs to work with all community groups to wipe them out.

What is being done to eradicate fire ants?

As part of National Fire Ant Eradication program, the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries will be treating all properties in the infested areas of south-west Brisbane and Ipswich and in the suburbs around the mouth of the Brisbane River.

What if my property needs to be treated?

If your property needs to be treated, you will be contacted directly by the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries before any work begins. You will be asked to sign a consent form giving permission for your property to be treated. Permission forms are being distributed and collected by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries officers.

What is involved in the treatment?

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries officers treat infested areas by spreading baits using hand-held fertiliser spreaders. Baiting occurs while the ants are active between September and April. These baits are laid down up to four times per year.

The chemicals used, methoprene and pyriproxyfen, help to stop the ants growing or breeding. The bait sterilises the queen fire ant and the whole nest eventually dies. These chemicals are not harmful to animals or people.

When will my property be free of fire ants after treatment?

It may take up to 10 weeks after baiting before the fire ants begin to disappear.

What do I do if I see a fire ant on my property?

• Do not touch them!
• Do not try to kill them yourself.
• Contact the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Call Centre on 13 25 23.

How can I help eradicate the fire ant?

The Department of Communities (Housing and Homelessness Services) is committed to helping stamp out the fire ant and asks for your cooperation to ensure that the eradication program is effective.

If staff from the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries wish to enter your property, please ask to see an identification card to ensure that person is from the Fire Ant Control Centre, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries.

If you are concerned about the identity of staff arriving at your property or want more information on the fire ant eradication program, please telephone the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries on 13 25 32 or visit their website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au.