Eradicating Fire Ants — Updated Procedure

By Angela Hoskins

This information was received via email from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program in August 2024.


New self-treatment model for eradicating fire ants

From 1 October 2024, the NFAEP is introducing a new approach to fire ant treatment on Coochiemudlo Island. When you report suspected fire ants or nests on your property, you will receive a fire ant treatment kit by mail. It includes an instructional brochure that shows you how to treat nests.

[Image from the NFAEP correspondence.]

Why is there a change?

This change comes after an independent Strategic Program Review said fire ant eradication is still achievable with strong community support and cooperation.
The introduction of this new self-treatment model allows us to prioritise the delivery of Australia’s Fire ant response plan 2023-27, focusing on eradicating fire ants from the outside-in.  

This change brings:

  • Convenience and flexibility – treat ants and nests easily on your own schedule, without waiting for a treatment team. 

  • Timely service – receive the necessary products as soon as you notice a problem, reducing the chance for ants to establish.

Look for, report, and treat 

The treatment kit you receive will kill the ants and suppress the population in your community until eradication treatment reaches your area.

Follow these simple steps:

  1. Report – If you spot suspect ants or nests, report them within 24 hours at fireants.org.au or by calling 13 25 23. Please include a photo or video to help identify them.

  2. Receive – Once our experts confirm you have fire ants, we will mail you a fire ant treatment kit.

  3. Treat – Follow the instructions in the kit and apply the product around the nests.
    The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority approves fire ant treatment and deems it safe for people, animals, pets, and the environment.

What if I am unable to treat fire ants myself?

If you have mobility issues or an injury that prevents you from self-treating, please inform us when you report. We will arrange for our team to treat your property.

Help and support

We value your cooperation as we implement this new self-treatment model. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible service and ensure a future free of fire ants. 
If you have any questions, please visit fireants.org.au or contact the NRAEP.

Residents are urged to check your property now, and report suspect nests to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.


Angela Hoskins

Built my first site in 2000 and steadily learned what it takes to make websites work. Dabbled in WordPress back then, still do. Since building my first Squarespace site in 2016, I’ve been impressed with the relatively streamlined approach to website design and development that Squarespace offers compared to WordPress. SEO was a major challenge from the start — I’ve spent a lot of time keeping up with what’s required to get sites working, ranking well on a SERP. I have confidence with what Squarespace offers for SEO.

Having worked for more than 10 years in the web team of an inland, regional university in Australia and dealing with frustrations that come with working for a large corporate enterprise, the idea of setting up my own web design business became my goal.

Set up my business in late 2017. Opted for a sea change, too: I now live on Coochiemudlo Island 45 minutes from Brisbane. Love working from home. Love working for small business clients. Still get casual work with the university.

Challenges? The main one is pricing my work for small businesses. Doing quality work, doing the research to be up to date in the industry, takes time; it’s hard to factor in this time to my pricing while being competitive in the market and affordable for many small businesses.

https://sitecontent.com.au
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