Examples of a barrier that cannot be penetrated by fire ants include:
- concrete or bitumen with no cracks
- 200-micron unperforated plastic sheeting.
If the storage area is on compacted ground, other than sand, this has to be treated with an appropriate chemical product before a fire ant carrier is put on the area. This option is not appropriate for baled hay or straw destined for animal consumption. Refer to the appropriate chemical product information below.
Chemical perimeter
You must treat the area where the fire ant carrier is stored with an appropriate barrier chemical to create a 30cm wide chemical perimeter.
Use an insecticide containing 80g/L bifenthrin. Keep the treated area free of material that could form an untreated 'bridge' to the material.
Refer to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) permit number PER14317 (expires 28 February 2029) for insecticides registered as a horizontal or perimeter barrier for fire ants.
Disturbed every 21 days and 24 hours prior to movement
To 'disturb' fire ant carriers you must have done 1 or more of the following:
- chipping the carrier
- crushing the carrier
- screening the carrier, including, for example, by passing the carrier through a screening bucket, grate or other sieve
- shredding the carrier
- turning the carrier
- washing the carrier.
The carrier material must have been disturbed by mechanical means at least every 21 days while the carrier is kept at the place; and at least 24 hours before the carrier is moved to another place.