Published 07 October 2026
Fire ants pose a significant threat to Queensland agriculture, with the potential to destroy crops, harm livestock, damage machinery, and reduce crop yields, if the pest becomes established.
To strengthen fire ant treatments in production areas, we have introduced a new applicator designed specifically for cropping and hydroponic growing systems.
The cropping applicator was developed in response to feedback from primary producers who identified challenges treating fire ants in narrow crop rows and other specialised growing environments. By working directly with industry, we have created a practical solution that better supports on-farm treatment activities.
Based on a modified mechanical seeding machine, the applicator delivers fire ant treatment directly between crop rows. Its cog-and-chain drive system maintains a consistent application rate regardless of walking speed, helping our field teams apply treatment accurately and evenly.
Director Operational Capability Sharon Janssen said the applicator highlights how collaboration and innovation can strengthen fire ant eradication efforts.
‘Primary producers understand their operations better than anyone, so their feedback is critical to helping us improve how we work in agricultural environments,’ Sharon said.
‘This applicator gives our teams a practical way to treat fire ants in areas that can be more challenging to access using traditional methods.
‘It is a great example of how we are adapting and innovating to support producers while strengthening our eradication efforts.’
The applicator delivers consistent treatment distribution across a range of operating conditions and has helped reduce untreated gaps in production areas. This supports compliance requirements while giving our field teams greater confidence that treatment is reaching the areas where it is needed most.
We continue to work closely with producers, industry groups, and researchers to develop new tools, refine treatment methods, and protect Queensland agriculture from the impacts of fire ants.
Eradicating fire ants is a shared responsibility.