They might be only 2-6mm long, but red imported fire ants can destroy crops and machinery, and render yards, parks, paddocks and farmlands unusable. They can also damage electrical equipment including streetlights and telecommunication networks.
And they can inflict a painful sting that has the potential to cause a fatal allergic reaction in people, pets and livestock.
To help intensify the fight against the destructive pest, the State Government has committed an additional $17.1 million to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
The ants, which were first discovered in Brisbane in 2001 and originated from South American countries, have not been detected in South Australia and currently are only present in Queensland and New South Wales.
But they can spread and invade new territory quickly. Five nests were detected in Murwillumbah in northern NSW in November 2023, and another nest was found in Ballina, NSW in February.
Genetic testing to determine the origin of the ants discovered in NSW found that the infestation in Queensland was moving southwards.
The ants generally spread through human activity, mainly the moving of contaminated soil, plants or agricultural machinery, and once in a new area, they can rapidly establish a new colony.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program includes a four-year response plan worth $592.8 million, which will incorporate the latest technology and innovative approaches to work towards eventual eradication. The State Government’s latest funding commitment is on top of $6.5 million already committed to the program.
Reece Pianta, Advocacy Manager with the Invasive Species Council, said fire ant eradication was still possible if Australia’s state and federal governments ensured that the level of resources met the needs on the ground.
“Fire ants are one of the world’s worst super-pests and if they are allowed to spread across the continent, their economic impact will be greater than cane toads, rabbits, feral cats and foxes combined,” Mr Pianta said.
“They will devastate Australia’s environment and agriculture, cost our economy billions annually and we could see hundreds of thousands of extra medical visits every year as they sting Australians at the park or in the backyard.”
Red imported fire ants are a notifiable pest in South Australia which means there is a legal obligation for people to report any suspected detections to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Residents, travellers and commercial operations returning to or visiting South Australia from Queensland should be aware of the requirements and restrictions on moving plants, fruits, vegetables, machinery and equipment into the state.
Information on movement restrictions is available on the PIRSA website.
