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Fire ants pose a serious threat in Queensland. They can cause property damage, disrupt outdoor areas and create health risks for people, pets, livestock and wildlife.
If you suspect fire ants on your property, avoid disturbing the ants or their nest. Report the suspected sighting to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and seek professional pest control advice where appropriate.
Rentokil has supported Australian homes and businesses for more than 50 years. Our trained technicians use professional inspection methods and suitable fire ant control techniques based on the property, the level of activity and the surrounding environment.
Fire ants are small, invasive ants that can behave aggressively when their nest is disturbed. They may swarm quickly and sting several times, making them a concern around homes, businesses, farms, schools, parks and other outdoor areas.
Red imported fire ants are listed as a restricted invasive pest in Queensland. Fire ant biosecurity zones and movement controls are in place to reduce their spread through materials such as soil, mulch, turf and potted plants.
Fire ants are copper brown with a darker abdomen. They range from about 2 millimetres to 6 millimetres in length, and workers from the same colony may vary in size.
Common fire ant identification signs include:
Colour alone is not enough to confirm fire ants. Several Australian ant species may appear red or brown, so suspected fire ants should be reported for official identification.
A fire ant nest often appears as a dome shaped mound of loose or freshly disturbed soil. Unlike many common ant nests, it may not have an obvious entrance or exit hole.
Fire ant nests may be found in:
Do not poke, kick or stand on a suspected fire ant mound. Disturbing the nest may cause the ants to swarm and sting.
A fire ant infestation can affect residential, commercial and agricultural properties. The level of risk depends on where the nests are located and how often people or animals use the area.
Fire ant mounds can disturb lawns, gardens and outdoor areas. Nesting activity may also affect footpaths, paved surfaces, electrical equipment and areas close to foundations.
Fire ants may sting repeatedly. A sting can cause immediate burning pain, followed by itching, redness, swelling or small blisters.
Scratching fire ant sting sites can damage the skin and increase the chance of infection. Some people may also experience a serious allergic reaction.
Pets, livestock and wildlife may receive several stings if they step on or disturb a nest. Young, old or less mobile animals may be at greater risk because they may not move away quickly.
Fire ants can disrupt farming work, affect crops and create risks for workers and animals. They may also spread when infested soil, hay, mulch, manure, turf or other materials are moved.
Fire ant stings may cause pain, itching, redness, swelling and a hot feeling around the sting site. Several stings can cause severe pain or a larger skin reaction.
Move away from the ants first, then wash the affected skin with soap and water. Avoid scratching or breaking any blisters, as damaged skin may become infected.
Call Triple Zero on 000 if the person shows signs of a serious allergic reaction, including:
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and can develop quickly. Use an adrenaline injector immediately when one is available and the person has been directed to use it, then call 000.
Rentokil provides professional fire ant control services for homes and businesses. Our technicians assess the property, look for signs of fire ant activity and select suitable control methods for the site.
Our fire ant control service may include:
The chosen control method will depend on the location of the nests, the property type and other site conditions.
Fire ants can spread naturally, but they may also be carried to new areas when infested materials are moved. Soil, mulch, manure, turf, potted plants, hay and quarry products can carry fire ants.
Practical steps include:
Fire ant biosecurity zone boundaries can change, so residents and businesses should check current official information before moving possible carrier materials
Fire ants can create safety and operational concerns for businesses, agricultural sites, schools, warehouses, construction areas and public facilities. Nests may affect outdoor work, deliveries, landscaping and the movement of materials.
Rentokil commercial fire ant control services may include:
Businesses operating within fire ant biosecurity zones may have legal duties when storing or moving possible fire ant carrier materials. Current movement controls should be checked before soil, mulch, turf, hay, manure, potted plants or quarry products leave the site.
Fire ants may establish nests in lawns, garden beds, beside paths and around outdoor living spaces. This can place household members and pets at risk of painful stings.
Rentokil residential fire ant control services may include:
Homeowners should also report suspected fire ants to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, even when arranging a professional pest control inspection.
Rentokil has local technicians who understand Queensland properties and the conditions that can support ant activity. We work with homeowners and businesses to assess pest concerns and provide suitable fire ant control services.
Official reporting remains an important part of the response to suspected fire ants in Queensland. Rentokil pest control services do not replace the requirement to report suspected fire ants or follow biosecurity movement controls.
Fire ants can sting repeatedly and may cause burning pain, itching, redness and blisters. Some people may experience a severe allergic reaction that needs urgent medical assistance.
Look for copper brown ants with darker abdomens, workers of different sizes and dome shaped soil mounds without an obvious entrance hole. Official identification is needed because other Australian ants may look similar.
Fire ants may build nests in lawns, garden beds, disturbed soil, along footpaths, near foundations and within landscaping materials. They may also nest in turf, mulch and potted plants.
No. Fire ants may swarm and sting when their nest is disturbed. Keep a safe distance, take photos where possible and report the suspected nest.
Yes. Fire ants may sting pets several times, especially when an animal steps on or lies near a nest. Move the pet away from the area and seek veterinary advice if it has several stings or shows signs of distress.
Do not disturb a suspected fire ant nest. Keep people and animals away, report the sighting to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, and contact Rentokil for professional pest control advice where suitable.
Our technicians can inspect accessible areas, assess ant activity and discuss a fire ant control plan based on your property.
Contact Rentokil today to arrange an inspection or request a consultation and estimate.
Don't hesitate to contact Rentokil if you think you have a fire ant infestation. We will help you get rid of the ants and keep your property safe.
Rentokil is the optimal selection for fire ant pest control in Queensland, as our expertise, understanding, and advanced technology ensure the successful completion of the task.
Contact us today for a free consultation or estimate.
Protecting Australian homes and businesses for over 50 years