The swift actions of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) and the Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce (FAST) will ensure koalas in Brisbane’s west remain protected from the devasting impact of fire ants.
A recent discovery of fire ant colonies with multiple queens in a eucalyptus plantation providing vital food for rescued koalas serves as a reminder of the threat this globally recognised super pest poses to Australia’s iconic species and fragile ecosystems.
Testing confirmed the detected fire ant colonies contain hundreds of fire ant queens, making them particularly dangerous and capable of rapid expansion. These types of colonies with multiple queens per nest are referred to as polygyne colonies.
Polygyne colonies of fire ants dominate local habitats, amplifying the threat as each queen can lay up to 5,000 eggs a day.
The impacted areas were treated, including by the use of aerial drone application. Additional treatments will continue in coming weeks to prevent the fire ants spreading.
Fire ants are equally dangerous to kangaroos, echidnas, reptiles and ground-dwelling birds. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments – including foraging in mud and rafting across waterways – risks the safety of countless native species.
An independent 2021 cost-benefit analysis by Central Queensland University revealed that, if left untreated, fire ants will cause catastrophic economic and environmental damage, including $84 million in harm to Queensland’s natural environment.
The Queensland Government’s FAST in collaboration with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program remains committed to stopping the spread of fire ants and protecting our environment and wildlife.
FAST urges all residents in suppression treatment areas to sign up for free treatment products to keep our iconic species, pets and family members safe. Communities are urged to stay vigilant and monitor their properties and local green spaces for fire ant and nests and report any suspected nests immediately at fireants.org.au/report or by calling 132 ANT (13 22 68).
Early detection and reporting are critical for safeguarding Queensland’s biodiversity and ensuring the survival of its native species.
Quotes attributable to Mr Mick Jeffery, Director Operations, Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce:
'The discovery of fire ants foraging in eucalyptus trees in Brisbane’s west is deeply concerning yet underscores the success of continued and collaborative action against fire ants,' he said.
'The Queensland Government’s Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce remains dedicated to supporting Queenslanders in our fight against fire ants. Residents in the suppression treatment area who find fire ants on their property are encouraged to request a free, fast-acting nest treatment kit, enabling them to take swift and effective action to eliminate these invasive pests. These kits are delivered in the mail, allowing households to treat fire ants at their convenience.
'On behalf of the taskforce and the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, I would like to thank Queensland’s Parks and Wildlife Service for their vigilance and collaboration in protecting these critical areas for our koalas.
'We are fully aware of the threat this super pest poses to our unique fauna and are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of our joint research on fire ant impacts for Australia’s iconic species.
'Fire ants pose a significant threat to both human and animal health, with the potential to infest up to 97 per cent of Australia if left untreated, the consequences for our environment, wildlife, and way of life would be catastrophic.'
'Eradicating fire ants is a shared responsibility, we need every Queenslander’s help and ask people to stay vigilant and report any suspected sightings.'
'Together, we can stop the spread of fire ants and safeguard our state for future generations.'
For more information or to report fire ant sightings, visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68).