Ants, spiders, wasps and termites
If you are having an issue at your property with any of these pests, contact a licensed Pest Control service who may be able to assist.
Fire ants
Fire ants are a pest that can greatly impact native environments and our way of life. Their painful, fiery sting can, in rare cases, cause severe allergic reactions. If you have been bitten by fire ants, seek medical attention immediately.
Reporting fire ants (including fire ants located on Council land)
If you find fire ants, contact the National Fire Ant Eradication Program via the online form or by calling 13 25 23, even if they are on Council land. The faster you report, the less likely fire ants are to become a problem and spread.
The Fire Ant Eradication Program map shows sites in Queensland that have had fire ants in the last 12 months.
What do fire ants look like?
Fire ants can be identified by a few distinguishing features. They are:
- copper brown in colour with a darker abdomen
- have a variety of sizes within the one nest ranging from 2-6mm
- are aggressive and swarm when disturbed.
For help with identifying fire ants, visit fireants.org.au to view a fire ant identification video and photo gallery. You can also see some ant species that are often mistaken for fire ants.
Your role, our role
Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, all Queenslanders, residents, businesses and government have a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to manage fire ants:
- under their control
- that they know about
- that they are expected to know about.
You can do this by reporting fire ants to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program using the online form, calling 13 25 23, or visiting fireants.org.au for more information.
National Fire Ant Eradication Program then coordinates with land owners, such as the Council, to undertake treatment.