Fire ants are sometimes found outside our containment area. The most recent detections are in:
- Cabarlah, Toowoomba
- Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast
- Kunda Park, Sunshine Coast
- Cotswold Hills, Toowoomba
- Binna Burra, Scenic Rim
Fire ant biosecurity zones are in place in Queensland, including around some of the most recent detections.
Detections
Cabarlah, Toowoomba
On Thursday 15 October 2026, fire ant nests were found at Borneo Barracks during proactive surveillance activities. The nests were destroyed using direct nest injection, and eradication treatment and surveillance activities are underway.
Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast
On Thursday 6 August 2026, our odour detection dogs found a single fire ant nest at Forest Glen as a result of compliance tracing activities conducted at a nearby construction site. The nest was destroyed using direct nest injection, and eradication treatment and surveillance activities are underway.
Kunda Park, Sunshine Coast
On Monday 9 June 2026, our odour detection dogs located a single fire ant nest at Kunda Park as part of a compliance tracing activity. The nest was destroyed using direct nest injection, and a broadscale treatment was applied to the surrounding area. Eradication treatment and surveillance activities are underway.
Cotswold Hills, Toowoomba
On Monday 27 April 2026, a public report resulted in our scientists confirmed fire ants in Cotswold Hills, Toowoomba. The single nest was destroyed using direct nest injection, and an insect growth regulator was applied to the area to eradicate any remaining ants. Eradication treatment and surveillance activities are underway.
Binna Burra, Scenic Rim
On Tuesday 3 March 2026, a local resident reported suspect fire ant nests on private property. On 4 March, eradication officers inspected the site and identified the ants as likely fire ants during a field diagnosis. The single nest was destroyed using liquid insecticide the same day. Eradication treatment and surveillance activities are underway.
What you need to do
We notify residents and businesses near where fire ants are found. We'll ask you to:
- learn how to identify fire ants and nests
- check your property and local area for fire ants
- report your findings online or call 132 ANT (13 22 68)—suspect ant reports should be made within 24 hours
- allow our teams access to your property to carry out eradication activities
- take steps to prevent the spread of this invasive pest.
Follow movement controls
Fire ant biosecurity zones are in place in Queensland. This means that if you're moving materials that can carry fire ants within or outside of these zones, you must follow the rules. There can be penalties for not following these rules.
Allow access to your property
Our staff are authorised under the Biosecurity Act 2014 to treat all properties for the purpose of eradicating fire ants. We may require access to your property to complete surveillance and treatment activities.
Complete our online form so we can tailor treatment to your property. We need to be aware of any issues with accessing your property, such as dogs or locked gates.
Before we treat your property, we'll try to contact you. This will be by letter, phone or a knock on the door. You may also see advertising in your local area.
If we are unable to safely access your property, we'll leave a message card in your mailbox with instructions on what you need to do.