Fire Ants

Fire Ants

Introduction

Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) are an invasive pest that pose a significant risk to people, pets, wildlife and the environment. They are a Category 1 restricted matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014, meaning everyone has a legal obligation to report suspected fire ants and take reasonable steps to prevent their spread.
Scout properties are particularly susceptible due to large open spaces, regular outdoor activities and the movement of soil, mulch and equipment.
 

Why Fire Ants Matter

Fire ants:
• Can deliver multiple painful stings, causing severe reactions in some people. 
• Present a significant risk to youth members, volunteers and visitors. 
• Can damage infrastructure and impact outdoor activities. 
• May result in temporary closure of activity areas while treatment is undertaken. 
Early identification and reporting are essential to support the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program.

Identifying Fire Ants

Fire ants are not identified by the ants alone. The appearance of the nest is often the easiest way to recognise them.
Typical signs include:
• Dome-shaped soil mounds without a visible entrance hole. 
• Fresh loose soil after rain. 
• Multiple nests across open grassed areas. 
• Large numbers of aggressive reddish-brown ants that swarm rapidly when the nest is disturbed. 
Fire ants vary in size (2–6 mm) and are coppery brown with a darker abdomen.
Do not disturb a suspected nest to confirm identification. Disturbing the nest can cause the colony to spread and increases the risk of stings.

What To Do If You Find Suspected Fire Ants

If you suspect fire ants:
  1. Keep people away 
    1. Restrict access to the immediate area. 
    2. Consider temporarily relocating activities. 
  2. Do not move anything 
    1. Do not move soil, mulch, sand, rocks, timber or equipment from the affected area. 
    2. Avoid mowing or disturbing the nest. 
  3. Report the sighting immediately 
    1. Report all suspected fire ants within 24 hours to the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program. 
    2. Phone 13 25 23 
    3. Or report online through the National Fire Ant Program. 
  4. Notify Scouts Queensland at facilities@scoutsqld.com.au 
  5. Notify the landowner 
    1. Where the property is leased from a council or other landowner, advise them as soon as possible. 

Treatment

Treatment arrangements depend on who owns the property.

Council Leased Properties

Many councils, are now providing support for leased community facilities.
Support may include:
• Coordinating treatment after nests are reported. 
• Providing approved fire ant bait. 
• Training volunteers to safely undertake treatments. 
• Proactive aerial or ground baiting programs. 
• Follow-up inspections and monitoring. 
Always follow the directions provided by your council.

Freehold Scout Properties

Where Scouts Queensland owns the property, treatment should only be undertaken using products approved under the National Fire Ant Program.
Never use unapproved pesticides or attempt to destroy nests by digging, flooding or burning them.

Free Self-Treatment Kits

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program may provides free self-treatment kits for eligible properties within the fire ant suppression area. These kits contain Australian-approved treatment products and instructions for safe application. Depending on your circumstances, you may receive a nest treatment kit (for visible nests) or be eligible for a broadscale yard treatment kit to help control hidden infestations. Treatment kits are funded by the Queensland Government and supplied at no cost to eligible landowners and occupiers

Follow-Up Monitoring

After treatment:
• Continue monitoring the area for several months. 
• Inspect after rainfall and during cooler weather when nests are more visible. 
• Re-report any new or re-emerging nests. 
• Keep records of treatment dates and locations. 
• Continue restricting soil movement until the area is confirmed clear. 
Fire ants often establish multiple nests, so a single treatment may not eliminate the infestation.

Support Programs

Several Queensland councils have introduced additional support for community organisations.
Examples include:
• Free treatment of council-owned leased sites. 
• Volunteer training programs. 
• Supply of approved bait products. 
• Scheduled aerial treatment programs. 
• Technical advice and follow-up inspections. 
If your Scout property is on council land, check with your local council to determine what assistance is available.

Preventing the Spread

Scout Groups can help prevent the spread of fire ants by:
• Inspecting sites regularly. 
• Checking soil, mulch and landscaping materials before use. 
• Minimising unnecessary movement of soil. 
• Inspecting trailers and equipment used between sites. 
• Educating leaders and volunteers on recognising fire ants. 
• Reporting suspected sightings immediately. 

More Information

• National Fire Ant Eradication Program: https://www.fireants.org.au/ 
• Report Fire Ants: Phone 13 25 23 or report online via the National Fire Ant Program: Help me report · Fire Ants Portal

Key Points

✅ Report suspected fire ants within 24 hours.
✅ Do not disturb or move suspected nests.
✅ Keep people away from affected areas.
✅ Notify your council (where applicable) and Scouts Queensland.
✅ Continue monitoring after treatment—one treatment may not eliminate every nest.