We need to act quickly whenever we detect fire ants beyond our containment boundary.
Investigation and response
When we get a confirmed outlier detection, we check the area and assess the risk. We take several things into account, such as:
- the number of nests
- how old the nests are
- how the surrounding land is used
- the colony type—the ants' social form.
We use the results of this assessment to design a response plan for each detection. Our National Management Group endorses each plan, and they form part of our overall Fire Ant Response Plan 2023–2027.
Each plan usually includes the following activities.
Surveillance
Our teams check nearby for other areas that have a high risk of fire ant infestations.
Genetic tracing and compliance
We do genetic testing of the ants, and our compliance officers investigate if human-assisted movement may be the cause.
These results help us work out how and when the ants arrived, and if we need to take compliance action.
Treatment
We immediately treat the nests and surrounding areas.
- Nests get a liquid insecticide treatment.
- The surrounding area gets treated with a granular treatment product.
The treatment method we use will depend on the size of your property and the landscape. Our teams may use a combination of aerial and ground treatment.
Review
After completing the initial activities, we review all available information to decide on the next part of the response. Each response will be different, based on what we find and learn from the review.
What you need to do
We notify residents and businesses near where fire ants are found. We'll ask you to:
- look for suspect ants or nests and report them within 24 hours—check your property and nearby public spaces
- work with us so we can do our eradication work on your property
- use fire ant-safe practices with any materials that may carry fire ants.
Follow the movement rules
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.
Treating your property
We must treat 100% of all targeted properties and our staff are authorised to do so.
- In Queensland, this is under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and the Biosecurity Regulation 2016.
- In New South Wales, this is under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Before we treat your property, we’ll send you a letter, call on the phone, or knock on your door to see if you're home. We won't enter your home or any other buildings.
We'll ask you to fill out a property information form so we can tailor the treatment to your property.
If we cannot safely access your property, we'll leave a message card in your mailbox with instructions on what you need to do.