thechronicle.net.au
Western Australia

Fire Ants on the March – Nests Discovered in North Brisbane


Image Credit: https://www.fireants.org.au/stop-the-spread/fire-ant-biosecurity-zones

Brisbane’s fire ant problem has crossed the river and is spreading across Brisbane’s north side.  Previously, fire ants were most commonly found by inspectors in Brisbane’s southwest, with major infestations in the Doolandella, Acacia Ridge, Greater Ipswich and Logan areas.  Fire ant activity has been on the rise at Lytton, and now, Pinkenba, directly across the Brisbane river has had 43 reported Fire Ant infestations in the last 12 months.  Brisbane’s industrial north shore, stretching from Pinkenba to the airport reports a total of 106 fire ant infestations, as the dangerous pest marches north.

Fire ants could be greatly underreported

Around 90% of the confirmed fire ant nests on Brisbane’s north side are on public land.  These nests are most commonly discovered and identified by the Queensland Government Fire Ant Initiative.  Government agencies fear that there could be a significant number of fire ants in north Brisbane backyards, currently undetected. 

How do I know if there are fire ants in my backyard?

There are six very common “sub-families” of ants in Brisbane, ranging from harmless members of the local ecosystem to the pesky “green head ants” known as green ants, that pack a nasty bite.  Each ant species has its own nesting type and some will not respond to common pesticides. 

“The issue with Fire Ants is that they can be indistinguishable from other common species to the naked eye.  Invading fire ants are just 2-6 mms long, a reddish brown and are commonly mistaken for the much larger species, meat ants.” Said Keith Jacobs, certified fire ant exterminator, north Brisbane. “I think because fire ants are so dangerous, people assume them to be big, they’re not, they’re deceptively small.”


Queensland’s biosecurity agencies are urging north Brisbane residents to check their yards for signs of fire ants.  Nests resemble dome shaped piles of disturbed soil.  They can be any size and are easy to miss.  Once disturbed, the fire ants will rapidly relocate.  Do not touch the nest. If you have a confirmed infestation on your property, you are legally obliged to report it immediately.  If in doubt, get a certified pest controller out who will confirm the presence of fire ants and take immediate action to eradicate them. 

House & Garden

The Urgent Need for Asbestos Removal in Melbourne

Asbestos, once a widely used material in construction, has become a serious health concern in Australia. Its widespread use throughout the 20th cent...

Boost Your Home's Efficiency with Affordable Duct Cleaning Services

Keeping your home or office environment clean is a top priority for many, but one area often overlooked is the ductwork in your heating, ventilation...

Common Problems with Water Tanks and How to Fix Them

Water tanks are a valuable addition to many Australian homes, providing an efficient way to collect and store rainwater. However, like any system, t...

8 Innovative Shade Systems for Modern Architecture

Modern architecture places a strong emphasis on blending functionality with aesthetic appeal, and shade systems are no exception. Innovative shade s...

Maximising Space: Organising Both Garages and Sheds Effectively

Garages and sheds are essential for storing tools, equipment, and seasonal items, but they often become cluttered and disorganised, turning into cat...

Fire Ants on the March – Nests Discovered in North Brisbane

Image Credit: https://www.fireants.org.au/stop-the-spread/fire-ant-biosecurity-zones Brisbane’s fire ant problem has crossed the river and is spr...

Trends in Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations: What's Popular in 2024?

The year 2024 brings a fresh wave of inspiration and innovation to the realm of home improvement, particularly in the areas of kitchen and bathroom ...

Transform Your Space with Vertical Plant Walls

In the pursuit of creating harmonious and inviting indoor environments, the integration of greenery has emerged as a powerful design element. Among ...

Budget spend to attract tradies a welcome step in addressing WA housing crisis

The Housing Industry Association and Master Builders have welcomed a recent announcement by the Western Australian state government to allocate $4...