Fire Ants

Fire ants are an invasive pest ant species that have spread across south-east Queensland since their detection in the Brisbane area in 2001.

Redland City Council’s role in fire ant management

From 1 July 2024, Council will undertake surveillance, suppression and treatment of fire ants on Council owned and/or managed land. Council’s Fire Ant Management Program will involve preventative (broadscale suppressive) treatments across sites such as community parks, sports fields and wastewater treatment plants. Treatments will also be conducted in response to fire ant detections.

Council's program is conducted in support of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP).

Please note: it is still your obligation to report any suspected fire ant nests to Biosecurity Queensland in the first instance, whether the location is on private or public land.

Council will be informed of any locations reported to Biosecurity Queensland that are on Council owned or managed land, to ensure relevant surveillance and treatment is carried out.

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP)

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) is one of Australia’s largest biosecurity eradication programs and involves finding, containing and destroying fire ants in south-east Queensland. This strategy, conducted under the Fire Ant Response Plan 2023-2027, will be a coordinated approach between the NFAEP, all levels of government, landholders, businesses and local communities.

Redland City Council supports the efforts of the NFAEP by:

• Reporting fire ants to Biosecurity Queensland
• Conducting surveillance of Council owned and/or managed land for fire ants
• Undertaking suppression and treatment of fire ants on Council owned and/or managed land
• Providing education and information to the community on fire ants.

Reporting fire ants

Reporting fire ants is everyone’s responsibility. If you identify or suspect that there are fire ants in an area, you must report them within 24 hours. Call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or lodge a report via their online form:

Report fire ants

Identifying fire ants

Distinguishing features of fire ants

• Copper brown in colour with a darker abdomen
• Quite small at 2-6 mm
• Found in a variety of sizes within the one nest
• Aggressive behaviour – hundreds of ants will come out of a nest if disturbed to swarm the threat, trying to sting over and over, causing the sensation of being on fire.

Identifying nests

• Fire ant nests are not always easily identifiable and can come in various shapes and sizes
• Nests can appear as dome-shaped mounds or be flat and look like a small patch of disturbed soil with no obvious entry or exit holes
• They are usually found in sunny open areas such as lawns, parks, along roadsides and unused cropland
• Nests are also found next to or under other objects on the ground, such as timber, logs, fence lines, rocks, pavers or bricks and dams.

Detected fire ants map

To view a snapshot of recent fire ant detections, visit the National Fire Ant Eradication Program interactive fire ant map.

Fire ant first aid

Visit National Fire Ant Eradication Program's fire ant first aid for information on what to do if you or someone you know is stung.

Related information

• Biosecurity Queensland – National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP)  to learn more about fire ants and to access free fire ant training
• Redlands Coast Biosecurity

FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

What do I do if I detect fire ants and/or a fire ant nest?

You must report detections within 24 hours. Call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or lodge a report via the online form.

Can Council attend my property to inspect and treat?

Council will only inspect and treat Council-owned and/or managed land. For information on how you can treat your own property for fire ants, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.fireants.org.au

Will Council provide treatment products to residents?

Council will not provide treatment products to residents. For further assistance, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.fireants.org.au

If I report via the online form, does Council get notified?

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP) will pass on notifications to Council of reported areas located on Council-owned and managed land.

Is fire ant bait potentially harmful to humans and animals?

The bait used to treat fire ants is not harmful to humans and most animals when used according to the relevant product labels. For further information, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.fireants.org.au.