Important
Don't try to control or treat suspected fire ants yourself. Eradication requires direct supervision by NSW DPIRD to apply the expert treatment and checks. Treating them yourself or calling a pest controller could cause them to spread.
Even if you're not sure, call the NSW Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244 or contact NSW DPIRD using the online form.
Where to look?
Unless you disturb a fire ant nest, you are more likely to see the nests before you see the ants. Fire ant nests are COMMON in:
- open grassed areas
- around or against garden structure
- in or around hay bales
- around utility pits or electrical transformer boxes
- near water sources
- in areas with exposed soil
- school yards
- parks and sporting facilities
- roadsides and median strips
- near new residential developments, or
- near recently imported carrier materials such as turf, soil and mulch.
Fire ants are RARE in shaded, undisturbed areas such as bushland, forests, or inside homes.
What to look for?
Fire ant nests commonly appear as:
- mounds or flattish patches of soil
- loose or crumbly appearance on the surface
- up to 40 cm high
- with no single obvious entrance holes
- nests are generally higher in cooler weather
- if disturbed, fire ants will aggressively swarm from the nest in large numbers, stinging simultaneously.
What happens if fire ants are found on your land?
Following a positive detection, the NSW Fire Ant Program will work with the National Fire Ants Eradication Program to search the surrounding areas, treat the ants and stop their spread, at no cost to the owners or occupiers.
A temporary requirement to only move certain materials and items off the property under permitted conditions could be put in place while the ants are controlled.
The ants would be treated and monitored until it was clear they had been eradicated.
Report a suspicious ant sighting
Report any suspicious ant sightings such as Red Imported Fire Ants or Yellow Crazy Ants immediately, as these pests can spread rapidly.
If you suspect fire ants:
- LEAVE IT: Do not destroy or treat the nest. Fire ants are prohibited matter in NSW and are known to swarm and inflict painful stings.
- SNAP IT: Safely take a clear photo or video for identification. See how to collect fire ants for instructions on how to safely collect a sample or take photos.
- CALL IT: Call the Biosecurity Helpline on 1800 680 244, submit an online form. If you're not sure? Report it anyway
Let’s keep working together to keep this pest out of NSW. For more information on fire ants, identification, nests and how we are managing the threat to NSW, visit: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants or call 1800 680 244.
