A colony of invasive fire ants, which have already spread rapidly through parts of southeast Queensland, have been found in a container yard in the heart of Sydney.
Described by the Invasive Species Council as one of the world’s “super pests,” a colony of red fire ants was discovered in a shipyard at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Center in Strathfield.
A team of entomologists from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) were deployed to the site after a lure planted as part of a government fire ant detection system was triggered.
The nest was eventually located hidden deep under a layer of concrete near a shipping container, which DAFF believes the ants came to Australia in.
The ants are not believed to be linked to the southern Queensland infestation.
Since the destruction of the nest at the shipping yard, the NSW Government has deployed an Incident Management Team to spend the next two weeks combing through the local area to track down any evidence of more nests.
Local businesses, homes and other public sites will be investigated, and the community has been urged to co-operate with authorities.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said the team is focused on “making sure any potential spread is identified and eradicated quickly”.
“While fire ants are one of the world’s most invasive species, they can and have been successfully eradicated in New South Wales,” Ms Moriarty said.
“The action plan is underway and its important we focus the next two weeks on working closely with the community and businesses to educate them on keeping an eye out and what to do if they see fire ants.
“We will have a lot of teams on the ground doorknocking, handing out flyers and staffing our community information drop-in centre.”
Ms Moriarty said local businesses, especially those which handle fire ant carrier materials like soil or turf, should be extra vigilant.
Invasive Species Council Reece Pianta said there were few segments of Australia’s delicate ecosystems which wouldn’t be negatively affected by red fire ants, and pointed towards southern Queensland’s current infestation as an example.
“In south east Queensland, they invade backyards, parks and sporting fields, attack pets and wildlife and threaten agriculture and infrastructure. Sydney doesn’t want to find out what living with fire ants is like,” he said.
“This detection is a reminder of why we need to keep investing in strong border biosecurity and surveillance. Fire ants are widespread among many of Australia’s trading partners, so finding new incursions quickly is critical to stopping them being established.
“Our goal should be simple – make Australia fire ant-free and keep it that way.”
Mr Pianta told NewsWire local residents in the Strathfield area should be wary of “small mounds with no clear hole” appearing in their yards.
Anybody who suspects fire ants in their local area can report them to the NSW Government Biosecurity Hotline on 1800 680 244.