Red Imported Fire Ant Control & Treatment

How to identify Red Imported Fire Ants

These menacing ants (Solenopsis invicta) are native to South America and not only pose a serious threat the Australian ecosystem, they inflict a painful sting. If you are stung it is best to seek medical advice.

Red Fire Ants are quite small usually between 2-6mm long and have coppery-brown heads and bodies, with darker abdomens. They are particularly aggressive, especially near their nests.

What to look out for:

• Red Fire Ant nests have no obvious entry or exit holes
• Nests may appear as dome shaped mounds or may look like small flat patches of disturbed soil
• They are usually found in open areas such as lawns, pastures and alongside roadways
• Nests can also be found near objects such as timber, logs, rocks, pavers or landscape material

It is important to report and seek professional help if you discover Red Fire Ants on your property.

Controlling Red Fire Ants

There are strict controls in certain areas of QLD designed to prevent the spread of Red Fire Ants.

If you are located in a zone it is important take all reasonable steps to ensure you do not contribute to the spread of these pests such as move materials which could carry fire ants. Carriers include:

• Soil and ground material at earthwork sites
• Mulch, hay, straw rand other composted material
• Animal manure
• Turf or plant material

Unsure if you are residing in a registered Red Fire Ant zone? Visit the QLD Govt website or check out our downloadable map.

Treatment

Red Imported Fire Ants can only be treated by an authorised Pest Technician. Our qualified pest management teams in South East QLD have completed this training and are ready to treat your Fire Ant problem. What is involved in treating?

• A direct injection of chemicals into the nest, which floods the surrounding tunnels and ground with insecticide
• A light spray at ground level around the nest of the treatment
• The surrounding area may also be bait treated with small pieces of corn soaked in the insecticide, which will be carried back to the nest and sterilise the colony’s queen
• Repeat treatments may be required for highly affected areas
• The Fire Ants colony will die out over the next few days
• Please note the chemicals used are NOT harmful to people, animals or the environment. The formula is designed to attract Fire Ants and other insects are unlikely to ingest it.

For more information on the treatment of Red Imported Fire Ants please contact our friendly teams in Brisbane and Ipswich.

At Termitrust we know Fire Ants, so you don’t have to…