Crucial step to eradicate Yellow Crazy Ants

8 Jun 2018

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) staff will this weekend begin to treat an infestation of yellow crazy ants in central Lismore.

NSW DPI biosecurity manager, Scott Charlton, said the eradication operation was essential to limit the economic and environmental impact of the outbreak.

“Qualified biosecurity officers will apply the treatment in and around the central business district,” Mr Charlton said.

“The control team has received specialist advice from Biosecurity Queensland, who has extensive experience in managing ant infestations.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure the community and environment are protected and yellow crazy ants are successfully eradicated.”

Approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), a fipronil based treatment will be used in the operation.

Fipronil is a common insecticide, which has been tested extensively and there is no evidence fipronil is harmful to humans. A low-strength formulation has been chosen and the operation directly targets ants to present a very low risk to non-target species.

The operation will follow strict APVMA guidelines and as part of the permit conditions insecticide will not be placed near waterways or stormwater drains.

To prevent insecticide being washed away it will be used in vegetated areas and hard surfaces will be avoided.  In some situations treatments may be used on hard surfaces that have cracks, which will contain insecticide and prevent it washing away.

A team from NSW DPI, Local Land Services, Lismore City Council and Rous County Council will conduct the eradication operation.

NSW DPI staff will be at the Lismore Farmers Markets this Saturday June 9 to discuss the yellow crazy ant eradication plan.

Yellow crazy ant information is available online.

Media contact: (02) 6391 3686