A video showcasing fire ants creating ‘life rafts’ amidst floodwaters in Queensland has gained widespread attention online, raising concerns about their potential spread into New South Wales (NSW) following ex-Cyclone Alfred. The footage, shared by Kirsty McKenna from Allenview, reveals clusters of these invasive ants floating on water near her home, as they attempt to survive. In the video, McKenna notes the sight of the ants moving their eggs to protect them, clinging to anything for buoyancy until the floodwaters recede.
Fire ants, which pose significant risks to humans, wildlife, livestock, and agriculture, are especially concerning for invasive species advocates. They have called for enhanced measures to control these pests, particularly in light of predictions that recent heavy rain in southern Queensland could exacerbate infestations. As floodwaters decline, communities are urged to be vigilant and report any sightings of fire ant nests, especially in residential areas, parks, and natural bushlands.
The NSW government is taking precautions by banning the import of materials like hay from affected regions in southeastern Queensland, aimed at preventing an infestation in the state. Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty highlighted the challenges that farmers face after the cyclone and emphasised the need to protect them from additional threats like fire ants.
Despite concerns of ants naturally floating into NSW, experts reassure that such occurrences are unlikely due to hydrological studies. They suggest that human activity, particularly the transportation of infested materials, remains the primary risk for an infestation in NSW. Scott Charlton, NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer, notes that the ants could be transferred through soil and turf or spread naturally from Queensland.
The economic implications are severe, with estimates suggesting that fire ants could inflict over $2 billion in annual costs on Australia’s economy and lead to hundreds of thousands of additional medical appointments if left unchecked. Reece Pianta, Advocacy Manager at Invasive Species Australia, warns that fire ants could cause more economic damage than other notorious pests combined, such as feral cats and cane toads.
To mitigate these threats, Pianta advises the public to avoid direct contact with fire ants or their habitats. As evident from the flooding incident, the resilience of fire ants poses a significant challenge, calling for continued awareness and prevention strategies to curb their spread.