TREATMENT FOR FIRE ANTS RECOMMENCES
Biosecurity officers are stepping up the fight against red imported fire ants in South East Queensland, with ideal ground temperatures prompting the next round of treatment to begin now.
Biosecurity Queensland Control Centre Director Neil O’Brien said biosecurity officers would be distributing fire ant targeted baits across parts of the region until May next year.
Fire ants are coppery-brown in colour with a black or dark-brown abdomen.
There are usually several different-sized ants in every nest, ranging between 2-6mm.
Nests are usually dome shaped with no visible entry holes, and should not be investigated or touched by the general public.
Fire ants are highly-aggressive pests that attack and sting anything that alarms or threatens them.
Mr O’Brien said reporting of suspect ants or nests by the general public had played a crucial role in the program’s success to date.
“Public support is even more vital as the number of fire ant colonies diminishes,” he said.
“We ask the community to take the time to look on or around their properties to check for any suspicious ant activity, and call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 to report any ants they believe could be fire ants.
“It’s important the community remember to ‘Look, Check, Call,’ – we’ve got to find them all.”
To report suspicious ant sightings call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or for more information on fire ants, the eradication program and the affected areas of Queensland, visit the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au .
Fire ants are coppery-brown in colour with a black or dark-brown abdomen.
There are usually several different-sized ants in every nest, ranging between 2-6mm.
Nests are usually dome shaped with no visible entry holes, and should not be investigated or touched by the general public.
Fire ants are highly-aggressive pests that attack and sting anything that alarms or threatens them.
Mr O’Brien said reporting of suspect ants or nests by the general public had played a crucial role in the program’s success to date.
“Public support is even more vital as the number of fire ant colonies diminishes,” he said.
“We ask the community to take the time to look on or around their properties to check for any suspicious ant activity, and call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 to report any ants they believe could be fire ants.
“It’s important the community remember to ‘Look, Check, Call,’ – we’ve got to find them all.”
To report suspicious ant sightings call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or for more information on fire ants, the eradication program and the affected areas of Queensland, visit the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au .
