Fire ants are an invasive species of serious concern due to their impact on wildlife and the natural environment.
In Noosa Shire there are no reported fire ant infestations but, with nests detected in nearby areas, it does leave us vulnerable.
Kunda Park in the Sunshine coast reported a fire ant nest in June of this year and previously there were reported nests in Palmview and North Arm. The most recent report is that sniffer dogs detected a nest at Forest Glen in early August.
Fire ants are small, reddish-brown ants that can deliver painful stings and are a threat to humans and pets. They can attack and kill animals that disturb their nests. This may include insects, reptiles, birds and small native animals.
They can spread when people move soil, mulch, hay, turf and other materials containing nests.
While we in Noosa Shire can still return our tube stock pots to our local native nurseries, residents in other areas of the Sunshine Coast are unable to do so. We need to remain vigilant as we all have a role to play in preventing the spread of these ants through early detection and treatment.
Look for mounds in areas of direct sunlight and if you do identify a nest do not disturb it. Report the sighting to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program on 13 22 68 or online at https://ants.daf.qld.gov.au/help-me-report/
The website gives some advisory information about fire ants, action to take if you detect a nest on your property or in your area, along with other pertinent advice.
Of interest is the treatment made from corn-grit with oil which contains an insect growth regulator. It needs to be applied on more than one occasion.
There is also a map of the areas that have had infestations in the previous 12 months.
At this stage fire ants have been confined to the east coast of Australia. Scientists warn they could spread across Australia if not stopped.
For more information:
https://www.fireants.org.au/tools/resources
Photo credits: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
Kay Southam
