Fire ants
Red imported fire ants (RIFA) can spread rapidly and are a major risk for Australia.
Entry requirements for materials from restricted areas and Fire Ant Detection Sites
Council has been working with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and other agencies to ensure the Tweed is on high alert following detections of the invasive ants in NSW and the nearby QLD regions.
Visit the map of infestations in NSW and QLD to know what requirements you need to follow if you are carrying out a controlled movement of Fire Ant carriers into and within NSW.
The Queensland Government also has rules that apply to people and businesses moving materials that can carry fire ants.
What to look out for
Fire ants can look similar to other ants but their ant nests are distinctive with mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40 cm high, with no obvious entrance holes.
A fire ant nest (source: NSW DPI)
Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and from 2 to 6 mm long.
They are very aggressive and will swarm out of the nest if gently poked with a stick. If people are stung, the multiple stings fire ants inflict form white pustules within 48 hours.
Look for them in sunny open areas, including lawns, parks, school grounds, sports fields, golf courses, gardens, foreshores, paddocks, disturbed soil and roadsides.
Report suspicious sightings immediately
NSW: Call NSW Department of Primary Industries hotline 1800 680 244 or use the online form.
Queensland: Call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or report fire ants online.
If you discover fire ants on Council property call us on 02 6670 2400 or call the NSW DPI hotline above.