The Invasive Species Council is issuing a stark warning to residents in south east Queensland about the impact of flooding on the spread of fire ants.
Fire ants have been found at several sites at Caloundra and North Arm in the last year.
“Fire ants form large floating rafts that move with water currents and disturbingly, new footage shows this rafting behaviour happening right now in flood-affected areas with high fire ant density like Logan, Scenic Rim and northern Gold Coast,” Invasive Species Council Advocacy Manager Reece Pianta said.
“As flood waters recede we are urging the community to look out for and report fire ant nests including in their backyards, local parks, beaches or bushland.
“This recent heavy rainfall in southern Queensland will spread high-density infestations and concerningly it could sweep fire ants into carrier materials like turf, risking their further spread to other parts of Australia
Mr Pianta said all known fire ant nests on the Sunshine Coast have been destroyed but recent severe flash flooding could spread the super pest to new areas.
There are concerns the super pest could also be spread to unaffected areas as people cleanup soil and mulch during the flood recovery.
He said the unchecked spread of the ants could result in economic damage greater than that caused by cane toads, rabbits, feral cats and foxes combined.
He said it is a timely reminder that the Queensland and Federal Governments must urgently ramp up fire ant suppression.
“We call on Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese to commit to an urgent fire ant surge and long-term funding.
“This isn’t just an election issue for Queenslanders, fire ants will spread to all parts of Australia if eradication fails.
“An increase in funding now could save Australia billions in fire ant costs each year, not to mention the immeasurable cost to our environment, wildlife and lifestyles.
“Of course, fire ants are dangerous. Don’t put yourself, clothing or belongings in direct contact with ants or their nests,” Mr Pianta said.
To report fire ants go to fireants.org.au
Fire ant facts from the Invasive Species Council:
Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and range in size from two to six millimetres long. Their ant nests are distinctive mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy-looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40 centimetres high, with no obvious entrance holes.
Red imported fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people, pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals, and damage ecosystems beyond repair.
A ten-year proposed eradication program has been developed, so far it is only funded until 2027 at $592 million – well short of what is required for full eradication.
The 2021 National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program strategic review estimated that at least $200 to $300 million per year will be required for ongoing eradication efforts to achieve eradication by 2032.
Fire ants can be lethal to humans, are expected to exceed $2 billion per year in economic impacts on Australia’s economy and if they get out of control, will devastate wildlife, cut agricultural output by up to 40% and may cause over 650,000 extra medical appointments each year.
Fire ants can form rafts during flood events, stowaway in freight or soil, or spread by Queen ant flights of up to several km.
Fire ants came into Australia in the late 90s in freight from the United States, they were found in 2001. Fire ants are originally from South America.
Fire ants have spread across most of the southern United States, and are spreading in China at a rate of about 80 km per year. Australia has managed to contain fire ants in south east Queensland for 20 years however under-resourcing has prevented successful eradication.
Almost all of Australia is climatically suitable for fire ants.
