(Solenopsis invicta)
NSW DPI, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and Tweed Shire Council are working together in response to a detection of fire ants in Murwillumbah.
View the Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order.
Print the plain English guide to the Order (PDF, 669.09 KB), or read in the accordion below.
Movement of a fire ant carrier is permitted into and within the 5km control area.
Movement of a fire ant carrier out of the 5km fire ant movement control area is only permitted when following the requirements as specified by the Emergency Order (refer to Part 2 in the Order).
Treat or clean
Complete the record of movement declaration form
Green bin/organic waste collection by council
Other movements
Movements out of the 5km Fire Ant Movement Control Area contrary to the Emergency Order may be authorised by a permit under certain conditions. A permit process is in place, and the granting of permits will be considered on a case by case basis. To discuss further contact the hotline on 1800 680 244.
Communities in the border regions of Northern NSW should be on the lookout for fire ants and their nests and contact NSW DPI if suspected fire ants are found.
People moving fire ant carriers from the Queensland fire ant infested area must follow treatment requirements as specified in the Emergency Order, and obtain the relevant certificate accepted for the different carriers to be brought into NSW.
Treat or clean
Certificate
Complete the record of movement declaration form
(Solenopsis invicta)
Red imported fire ants (fire ants) are invasive exotic ants that cause serious social, economic, and environmental harm. They are aggressive and have a severe, burning sting. Fire ants are not known to occur in New South Wales, but currently infest a large area of South East Queensland with nests found very close to the border.
Left: Stings from fire ants are very painful and form pustules. Right: Fire ant size comparison. Photos sourced from Queensland DAFF
Fire ants were first discovered at the Port of Brisbane in 2001 and currently infest around 600,000 ha in South East Queensland. The interactive fire ants map shows sites that have had fire ants in the last 12 months. They have been found west to Kleintonand the Lockyer Valley and north to Deception Bay.
NSW partners with and contributes funding to the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program. This program aims to eradicate fire ants from South East Queensland by 2032 and has been in place since 2017. Modelling shows that without it, fire ants would have spread west to Longreach, north to Bowen and south to Canberra by now.
The program provides a website for residents and tenants, business and industry and school and sports groups on the control treatments for fire ants, the dangers they present, and how to look for them and stop their spread.
Use the online form for any suspicious sightings or call 1800 680 244
Stand well back and gently prod the edge of the nest with a stick. Image courtesy of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
To do this safely you need latex gloves, a can of household insect spray, a long stick and some tissues. Be aware that fire ants will attack and sting if disturbed (fire ant first aid):
Fire ant collection by Weed resource team
Fire ant collection, video has no audio. NSW DPI © State of New South Wales
Fire ant nest. NSW DPI © State of New South Wales
Fire ants are 2 - 6 mm long with a range of sizes in one nest. Image courtesy of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
Hundreds of ants will come out of a nest if disturbed, this video has no audio. NSW DPI © State of New South Wales.
Image showing colour and size of fire ant. Image courtesy of Peter Green.
Fire ants are most likely to be found in parts of NSW along the border with South East Queensland including the Tweed, Kyogle and Tenterfield local government areas.
Their ability to be moved in carrier materials such as hay, straw, turf, mulch, soil, sand, gravel, potted plants and on agricultural and earthmoving equipment and machinery means fire ants could be found anywhere in NSW. Check for fire ants on these carrier materials if they have come into NSW from South East Queensland.
They could also be found close to ports if they enter NSW in shipping containers or cargo. Fire ants can adapt and survive in most climates and environments around the world. Check open areas such as lawns and pastures, roadsides and cropped land. Look under and next to objects on the ground like timber, logs, rocks, pavers or bricks.
Don’t touch the ants or their nest with any part of your body as there is a high chance of being severely stung. Don’t disturb or treat the infestation yourself as this can cause the ants to move and spread, or swarm and sting.
If it’s safe to do so taking photos will help with identification. If you can only see a nest, gently poke the edge of the nest with a long stick to encourage the ants to come out, making sure you don’t get too close.
Keep your camera still and allow ants to walk past the lens. Moving the camera too much makes the image blurry. Use the zoom on your camera to get a close-up image while keeping a safe distance. Put an object like a coin or a key near the ants as a size comparison.
Attach the photos in the online form or call 1800 680 244 for assistance
The following guidance is general information and if in doubt, seek medical advice.
If you are stung by fire ants, small blisters may form on your skin. Leave the blisters intact, wash with soap and water and apply a cold compress or ice to relieve the swelling and pain.
Stings are rarely life threatening. People prone to allergic reactions could experience severe symptoms and should seek immediate medical attention.
Please check out information on moving material from Queensland.