If you report fire ants and live in our suppression area, we’ll send you a fast-acting treatment kit.
Why self-treatment
Self-treatment is crucial for successful fire ant eradication. We've introduced this approach in response to community feedback and the Strategic Program Review (2021).
Use the kit to treat the fire ants on your property. The treatment kills the ants and helps suppress their numbers until eradication treatment reaches your area.
If you have limited mobility or an injury that prevents you from using the kit, please let us know when you report the fire ants. We’ll arrange for our team to treat your property.
How to use the self-treatment kit
- Receive the kit – the kit includes treatment products and detailed instructions. Use it as soon as the weather allows. The kit you receive is matched to the number of nests you reported.
- Apply the treatment – follow the product label and instructions.
- Apply it on a clear day when it hasn't rained for at least 48 hours, and there's no rain forecast for the next 48 hours.
- Do not water, mow, or disturb the treated area for 48 hours.
- Keep people and animals away from the treated area for 48 hours.
- Record your treatment – after you apply the treatment, record it. This helps us track fire ant movement, treatment effectiveness, and monitor our progress.
How to apply self-treatment
If you're a resident in an area awaiting eradication treatment, managing fire ants on your property is now easier than ever.
After reporting fire ants, you'll receive a fast-acting treatment kit in the mail. It's easy and safe to use, allowing you to treat your property at a time that works for you.
Before you start, read the instructions carefully. Choose a clear day with no rain forecast for the next two days.
Sprinkle the treatment about a meter around the nest, but not directly on it. Fire ants will forage and carry the treatment granules back to the nest.
After treatment, avoid mowing, watering, or disturbing the area for 48 hours. Be sure to scan the QR code in the instruction brochure to record your treatment.
Keep monitoring for fire ants, and if they return, report them at fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68).