Stop fire ants in their tracks

No bigger than 6mm in size, fire ants may be small, but they pack a mighty punch. If left unchecked, these invasive pests could cost Australia $1.25 billion annually, a figure set to grow as they invade more areas.

Fire ants are among the most destructive invasive species, with the potential to cause more damage than feral cats, wild dogs, foxes, camels, rabbits, and cane toads combined. They spread through organic materials such as turf, soil, potted plants, and compost, making their containment a shared responsibility for councils, Biosecurity Queensland, and local communities.

Gympie Regional Council is urging residents to remain vigilant, as the closest confirmed sighting of fire ants was in North Arm, less than an hour’s drive away.

Mayor Glen Hartwig highlighted the serious implications fire ants could have on the Gympie region:

“All it takes is a few ants arriving here undetected, and we’re facing an infestation.

“Imagine not being able to enjoy a backyard BBQ with your family, walk your dog in a local park, or kick a footy at the sports club. That’s the reality fire ants could bring to our community,”

“Fire ants don’t stop at ruining our lifestyle, they can also devastate the agriculture industry in our region. They invade paddocks and destroy crops, creating heartbreak for farmers. This is a preventable challenge, but it requires a vigilant community.” he said.

To address the potential threat, Gympie Regional Council has launched extensive fire ant training for its outdoor workers to ensure early detection.

Alex Stengl, Director of Community Sustainability, detailed the Council’s proactive measures:

“We are currently training all staff on fire ants, their impacts, how to identify them, and, most importantly, what to do if they’re found. So far, our biosecurity team has conducted 11 training workshops with outdoor crews across various departments, who are most likely to encounter fire ants.

“We understand this fight requires a united front. That’s why we’ll soon begin rolling out industry workshops to educate and inform local businesses about the threat of fire ants,” she said.

In addition to these initiatives, free online workshops are available to the community, providing an opportunity to learn more and join the fight to keep fire ants out of the region.

For more information, visit www.fireants.org.au.