What’s the buzz?
These tiny pests were first spotted near Brisbane in 2001. Fast forward to now — fire ants have spread across 850,000 hectares in Queensland, and they’ve recently been found in northern NSW and even in freight containers in WA (ABC News).
According to fireants.org.au, they’re not just spreading fast — they’re tipped to cause more economic damage than foxes, wild dogs, cane toads, feral cats, rabbits, and camels combined.
Still think they’re not your problem?
🧨 Small Ants, Big Costs
So what’s going on?
Glad you asked. According to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and fireants.org.au:
Photo credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
CROP DAMAGE
Fire ants attack over 50 agricultural and horticultural crops, including veg, fruit, turf, and nursery plants.
In Florida, fire ants caused a 35% drop in potato yield.
In Mississippi, a 65% drop in corn yield was recorded (fireants.org.au).
Photo credit: Unsplash — Gytis M
HURTING LIVESTOCK
Fire ants have been known to attack newborn livestock, stinging around the eyes, nose and mouth.
This can prevent livestock from safely reaching food or water without being seriously stung, leading to possible starvation and dehydration.
Photo credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
IRRIGATION & MACHINERY DAMAGE
Fire ant mounds can block irrigation pipes, jam up harvesters, and ruin turf.
That means more downtime and dollars down the drain.
Photo credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
SPREADING DISEASE
Fire ants protect sap-sucking insects like aphids, which lower produce quality and help spread plant diseases.
They also attack beneficial bugs that help control pests — throwing off integrated pest management systems (fireants.org.au).
⚡ They Even Fry Your Gear
Fire ants don’t stop in the soil. They crawl into meter boxes, air conditioners, tractors, and traffic lights, chew through wires, and short out systems. If it’s got a warm, dark space — they’ll move in. Repairs aren’t cheap.
🎥 WATCH: How to Identify Fire Ants on Your Property.
⚠️ Not Just a Farm Problem
Fire ants love sports fields, parks, lawns and campgrounds.
Once they’re in, outdoor fun becomes a stinging nightmare. That’s bad news for local events, footy clubs, and tourism too — who wants to holiday where the ants are biting?
Small fire ant nest next to a footpath.
Image Credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
🚜 Farmers: You’re the Front Line
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program has a $592 million game plan — with baits from helicopters, on-ground treatment, and zones where farmers and residents must treat land themselves.
But it only works if we all play our part. One turf farmer near Beaudesert told ABC News he’s spent $1.5 million on fire ant control — only to watch nests pop up over the fence from properties that weren’t following the rules.
Just a few non-compliers can ruin the whole effort.
👀 What You Can Do
Stopping fire ants starts at your gate — here’s how to stay one step ahead:
Image Credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
Inspect your property regularly — fire ant nests look like flat mounds with no entry hole.
Image Credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
Report any nests immediately at fireants.org.au or call 13 25 23.
Image Credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
Use approved baits — only pyriproxyfen or methoprene are safe and legal.
Image Credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
Don’t move soil, turf, hay, or equipment without checking first.
🕛 Time’s Running Out
Experts say we’ve got a narrow window to wipe them out. Once fire ants reach critical mass — like they did in the US — you don’t stop them. You just manage the damage, year after year.
Let’s not wait until barbecues, harvests and campfires all come with a side of stings.
We can still stop them. But it’s all hands (and boots) on deck.
👉 Learn more or report a nest: www.fireants.org.au | 📞 13 25 23
From our patch to yours — see you next edition.
