Fire ants
The following information is for Queensland public housing tenants.
Fire ants are extremely aggressive and should not be touched.
They have been found throughout South East Queensland—this interactive fire ant map shows where they've been identified. Each property in an infested area must be treated to help eradicate them.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is completing this work using the Fire Ant Response Plan.
Under Queensland’s biosecurity laws, everyone has a responsibility to help stop them from spreading. This includes:
- checking your yard
- reporting suspected fire ants as soon as possible.
Authorised officers might need to enter your property to check for and treat fire ants.
Officers will have Queensland Government ID and require access to your outdoor spaces only.
Stings
Fire ant stings are a serious problem because their sting can cause a painful, burning and itching sensation (like the body is on fire). This can last for an hour.
In extremely rare cases, they can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek medical assistance immediately if you have any concerns.
See fire ant first aid for more information.
What they look like
Fire ants look like ordinary house or garden ants. They:
- are small and coppery brown in colour, with a darker abdomen
- come in various sizes within 1 nest, from 2mm to 6mm
- are aggressive, particularly near the nest.
View pictures of fire ants.
What their nests look like
Fire ant nests look like dome-shaped mounds; they don't have a clear hole for the ants to enter and exit. Fire ant nests can be up to 40cm high.
Mounds are not always easy to see but are usually in open areas, such as:
- lawns
- pastures
- roadsides
- unused cropland.
They can also be next to or underneath:
- timber
- logs
- rocks
- pavers
- bricks.
What to do if you see fire ants on your property
- Do not touch them.
- Do not try to treat them or destroy the nest.
- Report fire ants online or call 132 ANT (13 22 68). Try to report within 24 hours.
The person answering will ask questions to work out whether the ants are fire ants and whether they need to visit your property. - Contact your nearest Housing Service Centre to notify us of the problem.
