Eradicating Fire Ants
Update: Coochiemudlo Islanders advised not to self-treat suspect fire-ant nests
Island residents are urged not to self treat suspect fire ant nests. If you find a nest, the first action to take is to reporting nest to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. Program specialists will respond and treat any identified nests on Coochiemudlo Island as they believed this will provide the greatest chance of eradication.
This advice is different to the mainland where home owners are encouraged to self treat.
The first fire ant nest on the island was reported by and householder in April and it was treated within 24 hours.
If you find a nest, check the appearance of the ants and nests, then follow the reporting process on the NFAEP Look page.
Residents are urged to check your property now, and report suspect nests to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
Knowledge and action = power. People in-the-know, who are willing to act, is what’s required to be one step ahead to prevent fire ants spreading across the island. The first nest was identified on Coochiemudlo in April 2024. Fire ants have been reported on Macleay Island and Russell Island. North Stradbroke Island has been dealing with 130 identified nests since 2023.
What’s at stake? If fire ant eradication is not taken seriously in Australia, the spread of these venomous pests could effect our economy, food production, and lifestyle, as reportedly experienced in other countries. (See the video below about the impact in the U.S.) Because fire ants are venomous, our health is at stake if we’re bitten — the same for out pets, livestock, wildlife and ecosystems.
How do fire ants get to the island? Transported landscape supplies, potted plants and mulch are a major means — we need to be mindful with what we bring onto our properties.
We all need to know how to identify, report, and treat these aggressive, swarming, venomous pests.
With everyone being aware and vigilant, we have the best chance of eradicating them.
Check your yard and report any fire ants by using the online reporting form or by calling the eradication program on 13 25 23.
