Fire ants are considered very destructive pests. About 94% of fire ant nests that have been spotted in the past 12 months in the western corridor were found in Greater Springfield.
In light of this overwhelming figure, intensive fire ant treatment has begun. The hot spots identified by the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program are Augustine Heights, Springfield Lakes and Brookwater.
Recent Infestations
Just recently, fresh fire ant infestation has been found in Brookwater at Augusta Pwy. Last May, there were already nine nests also found there by Biosecurity Queensland. Earlier, in March of this year also, an infestation was also located near St Augustine’s Catholic College.
The past year has seen 13 fire ant colonies in Augustine Heights, two in Springfield, 11 in Springfield Lakes and 10 in Springfield Central.
First Round of Treatment
The treatment was scheduled to start earlier but due to weeks of wet weather in Ipswich, it has been delayed. Up to 140 people were hired to tackle fire ants across Queensland as part of the $411.4 million decade-long eradication program. The first of three rounds of bait treatment issuing applied between November 2017 to June 2018.
The first treatment will be executed in western outer infestation areas of Ipswich, the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset. The next three rounds would be applied during the warmer weather of 2018-19.
The Danger of Fire Ants
Fire ants were first detected in Brisbane in 2011. These South American ants are a huge threat to the social, economic, and environmental state of Queensland. They are considered Category 1 restricted pests under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Considered as the most dangerous ant in the area, the fire ant is a very invasive species that can hurt you if disturbed. They are copper brown in colour with a darker abdomen. Often, they are mistaken as a common garden or house ant. They come in various sizes and their nest may appear as loose soil with no exit holes or visible entry points.
To report fire ants, click here.