12 November 2024
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (the program) fire ant eradication treatments are safe for pollinators, including European honeybees and native species such as the blue-banded bee and ground-dwelling Indigenous bees.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has evaluated and registered or issued permits for the products used to treat fire ants, ensuring they are safe and effective for people, animals, and the environment for over 20 years.
Recently, a concerned resident reported that a deceased hive contained material they believed might be from the program's eradication treatment product.
The program promptly attended the location to conduct residue testing on both the honey and wax from the hive.
No detectable residue of the program’s treatment product was found in either the honey or the wax.
This result aligns with the program’s established treatment product risk profile, reinforcing that eradication treatments are not attractive to bees.
Fire ant eradication treatment consists of small pieces of corn grit soaked in soybean oil, with a low concentration of an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR), either Pyriproxyfen or S-methoprene.
The Therapeutic Goods (Poisons Standard) Instrument does not classify these IGRs as poisons, instead, they break the life cycle of insect pests by preventing the production of viable young.
We encourage commercial and hobby beekeepers to report any suspect adverse reactions to fire ant treatment to the APVMA's Adverse Experience Reporting Program.
Visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68) to learn more about fire ants and eradication treatment.
Quotes attributable to Principal Scientist, Dr Erin Wallace, National Fire Ant Eradication Program:
"Fire ant eradication treatment is safe for bees as they forage on nectar and pollen from specific sources," Dr Wallace said.
"Our eradication treatment uses soybean oil (a protein) to attract ants and does not contain sugar, making it unappealing to bees. The granules are also too large for bees to collect.
"Fire ants are a serious threat to bees. They attack protein sources in hives, such as larvae and pupae, weakening bee colonies and making them vulnerable to collapse.
“Unlike our treatment, fire ants pose a major risk to bee populations, which are essential for pollination and ecosystem health.
"Eradicating fire ants from Queensland, and ultimately Australia, is the best way to protect bees and ecosystems from their harmful effects."
Quotes attributable to Jacob Stevens, President, Queensland Beekeepers’ Association:
"The Queensland honeybee industry contributes over $2.89 billion to the state's economy every year. That's why it's crucial to protect industries that rely on bees from fire ants using the bee-safe eradication treatment from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program," Mr. Stevens said.
"Much of the bees’ contribution comes from the growing demand for their pollination services across Queensland's agricultural sector.
"Healthy bee colonies are essential for biodiversity in Queensland and across Australia.
“Fire ants pose a significant risk to hives by attacking larvae and stored honey, weakening the colony and reducing productivity.
“I encourage beekeepers to stay vigilant by regularly checking for fire ant activity around hives and ensuring no ants are present in or near the colony.
“If you find suspect ants or nests, please report them immediately to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program online at fireants.org.au/report or call 132 ANT (13 22 68) within 24 hours of sighting them.
"Working together is crucial to protect our bees and the bee industry from this super pest."