Fire ants are sometimes found outside our containment area. The most recent detections are in:
- Isaac and Central Highlands Region
- Rathdowney, Scenic Rim
- Baringa, Sunshine Coast
- Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast
Fire ant biosecurity zones are in place in Queensland, including around some of the most recent detections.
Detections
Several sites, Isaac and Central Highlands Region
On Wednesday 13 August and Thursday 14 August, our odour detection dog teams discovered fire ants at several mining sites in the Isaac and Central Highlands Regions. Nests and ants were destroyed using direct nest injection and an insect growth regulator was applied to the area to ensure any remaining fire ants are eradicated.
Moranbah, Isaac Region
On Tuesday 12 August, odour detection dogs found foraging fire ants at the same Moranbah site they were found on Tuesday 9 July. It is not uncommon to find foraging ants in areas receiving eradication treatment. The ants have been treated and we will continue conducting eradication activities across the impacted area to ensure any remaining fire ants are eradicated.
Rathdowney, Scenic Rim
On Sunday 6 July, a local resident reported a suspect fire ant nest on their property. Our eradication officers destroyed the nest and applied a fire ant treatment containing an insect growth regulator to the surrounding area the next day. Broadscale treatment and surveillance activities are underway.
Baringa, Sunshine Coast
On Friday 16 May, a landscaper reported a suspect fire ant nest in newly laid turf on the kerb. Our eradication officers destroyed the nest using direct nest injection on Monday 19 May. Broadscale treatment and surveillance activities are underway.
Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast
On Tuesday 6 May, a vigilant community member reported a suspect fire ant nest on a vacant block of land. Our eradication officers destroyed the nest using direct nest injection the next day. Broadscale 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.