Fire ants were first detected in Australia in February 2001 and Global Garden reported on them in the March 2001 edition. This is a follow-up to that article. The more people are aware of this menace the faster it will be eradicated so we will leave this information on our site as a public service.

   FIRE ANTS
Researched by John Gee

Imagine an Australia where you couldn’t use your own backyard, you couldn’t walk outdoors in bare feet or in thongs, your pet couldn’t romp in your yard and you couldn’t garden. Couple this enormous loss of Aussie lifestyle with crop damage and the destruction of lizards, skinks & other fauna and the picture is very grim indeed. This is exactly the sort of Australia we will have if the red fire ant takes hold. Photo: Peter Green, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland; used by permission.

 Why is the fire ant a problem?
The red fire ant is a tenacious (the “invicta” in it’s Latin name  Solenopsis invicta means “not easily overcome”) but ordinary looking red-brown ant originally hailing from South America. If you disturb their nest they will swarm on to you and sting you with their tails repeatedly and in unison. Each sting releases a small amount of venom. The immediate sensation is that the bitten area of your body is on fire (hence “fire ants”). The sting gives rise to pustules which can be extremely itchy for a week. In about 1% of cases an allergic reaction will occur.

 How do I know if I have encountered a fire ant nest?
The first fire ants detected in Australia (in Feb. 2001) drew themselves to the attention of the gardeners who noticed them because of their swarming behavior and aggressive stinging. So this is the best clue. Their nests are often dome shaped mounds (no visible opening) in open areas. They look very much like ordinary house ants. They are small but their size can vary greatly ( from 2mm to 6 mm) in the one nest. If you think you have discovered a fire ant nest then you must contact your relevant state government authority (see box below) or the Fire Ant Control Centre at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (ph 132523 ) immediately. Never send a live specimen anywhere for identification and do not try to eradicate the nest yourself as this may spread the infestation.

Where are fire ants in Australia?
The two initial discoveries in Australia were around Wacol (near Brisbane) and at the Port of Brisbane, Fisherman Islands. The Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries site has current information on Queensland infestations available by clicking here.
It is, however, not just a Queensland problem (e.g. an infestation was found in a palm tree shipped to Melbourne from Wacol and another in soil in a shipping container imported into Melbourne from the USA) and only constant vigilance by all Australians everywhere will save the day.

Can they be eradicated?
There is a chance that fire ants can be eradicated from Australia before they get out of hand.
A combined Federal and State eradication program is currently underway.

 How can I help to contain the spread of fire ants in Australia?
 - If you are involved with the movement of any plant or soil material (including mulches & pots) inspect the items before you send or receive them (regardless of where they are from).

 - If you suspect fire ants then report their nests immediately.

 - Spread the word - tell people about fire ants. If we are to win the battle then every Australian should know about fire ants.

Links:
Queensland Dept. of Primary Industries - "Fire Ants - What are they?" -  (an excellent resource)
ABC news online 2001 – The Battle of the Ants
ABC Catalyst story 2007 - Fire ant Update

A ray of hope - US Dept. of Ag. research on the Phorid fly which is a natural enemy of the Fire Ant - Areawide Suppression of Fire Ants   ( thanks to our readers Roger & Maxine for this link). Australian authorities are hopeful that a unified effort will eliminate fire ants in Australia without having to introduce the Phorid fly.

Global Garden http://www.global-garden.com.au/