9 February 2021
Residents in parts of the Gold Coast will soon be invited to take part in a fire ant treatment pilot, which will help continue the good work already done targeting this pest.
The pilot program is run by the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program and complements treatment underway in the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and parts of Ipswich.
Program General Manager Graeme Dudgeon said fire ants could have devastating consequences on our environment, economy and way of life and residents in the suburbs of Parkwood, Arundel, Pacific Pines and Maudsland could work with us to help reduce fire ant numbers.
“Queenslanders have told us they are keen to help get rid of this pest and through this pilot we are encouraging a whole-of-community response,” he said.
“At-home treatment has worked with great success in places such as the United States and we are confident Queenslanders will embrace it too.”
As part of the pilot, Gold Coast City Council will conduct treatment on property it owns and manages.
Registrations for the Gold Coast pilot will open soon, with treatment scheduled to begin in May.
Households can register to take part and will either have their property treated by the program or receive free fire ant bait, along with directions on how to handle it safely.
The bait used to kill fire ants is non-toxic to humans and pets.
A number of sports and recreational facilities on the Gold Coast are also participating in a fire ant treatment pilot.
The National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program is a nationally cost-shared program funded by all Australian state and territory governments, and the federal government.
To find out more visit daf.qld.gov.au/fireants or call 13 25 23.