The Invasive Species Council is sounding the alarm over dangerous misinformation and disinformation spreading both online and offline about fire ants, which is undermining critical eradication work.
‘A range of fire ant eradication disinformation, similar in character to climate change denialism or anti-vaccination movements, has sadly been circulating,’ Invasive Species Council Advocacy Manager Reece Pianta said.
‘These conspiracy theories are dangerous because they undermine the effectiveness of national eradication efforts and put Australians at risk.
‘The tiny minority who are refusing treatments on their properties are undermining the National Fire Ant Eradication Program which needs to conduct eradication activities on 100% of the targeted area.
‘Reports of threats and intimidation against program staff, online and in person, are disgraceful and must stop.
‘While we understand there are some well-meaning concerns, we want to assure everyone that fire ant treatments are safe, effective and do not harm animals.
‘While there are some off-target impacts on native ants, they quickly recolonise and recover once fire ants have been removed.
‘Fire ants are one of the worst invasive threats to Australia’s wildlife and a failure to eradicate them in south-east Queensland will see them spread across most of the country.
‘Eradication is still possible because of the availability of highly targeted fire ant treatments which can completely remove fire ants from an area.
‘If fire ants aren’t eradicated this way, people will take matters into their own hands, like they are in the US where citizens are pouring petrol on their lawns and regularly using chemicals off-label. This will be an environmental disaster.
‘Despite some claims by these fringe minority groups, the Invasive Species Council is not involved in the treating of fire ants or the eradication program in any way, however, we have complete confidence in the program, its staff and that it is being conducted safely and professionally.
‘The battle against fire ants is a critical race against time and we can’t let misinformation and disinformation impact public confidence and participation, this will only put lives, the environment and our economy in danger.
‘We urge everyone to rely on reputable and trusted sources, such as the National Fire Ant Eradication Program fire ant program website and official social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, for accurate information.’
Most common questions about fire ants answered:
- Are fire ant treatments safe?
‘Fire ant treatment is highly targeted to fire ants and is the safest and most efficient way to eradicate one of the world’s worst invasive species. By acting now, we prevent the indefinite use of harsh chemicals to treat fire ants in the future and save future generations from far more expensive control measures.
‘Fire ants, on the other hand, are a direct threat to human health, with stings that can cause severe allergic reactions, hospitalisation and even death. If fire ants spread, we could see 650,000 additional medical visits annually as Australians are stung in parks, backyards and public spaces.’
- Wouldn’t hot water work instead?
‘Fire ants build dense, sprawling colonies and their queens are buried deep within.
‘Boiling water or steam treatments may offer temporary effectiveness in managing individual fire ant nests but is not a safe, cost-effective, or reliable eradication method. It rarely reaches far enough to destroy the entire nest and requires substantial amounts of boiling water per nest. It also does not guarantee the elimination of fire ant queens.
‘Without eliminating fire ant queens, the colony will quickly rebuild by replacing any dead or dying ants. The only proven eradication treatment is the one the National Fire Ant Program uses.
‘Fire ant eradication must be conducted even if suppression and self-treatment options are used.’
- Could a bounty be the solution to faster fire ant eradication?
‘Offering cash rewards for nests could encourage the movement of colonies or even spread fire ants to new areas to claim payouts. Instead of solving the problem, it risks fuelling the fire ant invasion and making matters worse.
‘Most fire ant colonies are found by members of the public who see suspect fire ant nests and report them to get advice on what to do.
‘A majority of the public is already doing its part to help eradicate fire ants.’
- Can I treat nests with contact insecticides and ant powders?
‘Contact insecticides and ant powders are far harsher on the environment than the insect growth regulator products used by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. Many commercially available sprays spread through the wind, could damage nearby ecosystems and non-target species. Granular treatment products are designed to be taken back to the colony by the ants themselves, making them far more targeted and effective and much gentler on the environment.’
- Can fire ant baits cause paralysis syndrome?
‘Flying fox and parrot paralysis incidents do not match localities of fire ant treatments.
‘The RSPCA has confirmed that incidents of paralysis syndrome have been happening for several years, usually in summer months and in locations across Queensland and NSW.
‘We encourage the government to conduct more research into causes and mitigation strategies for Flying Fox Paralysis Syndrome and Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome.’
- Are fire ant treatments going to kill my pets?
‘The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approves and regulates products used by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
‘Fire ant treatments are scientifically proven to be non-toxic to humans, animals, including cats and dogs, and the environment when used as directed. The insecticides used (s-methoprene and pyriproxyfen) are low in toxicity and are the same compounds used at higher levels in mosquito control and pet products.
‘Fire ants can sting and cause injury or even death to pets. Treatments and insecticides are used overseas to protect domestic animals from the impacts of fire ants.’
- Why do we treat areas that don’t have nests?
‘The National Fire Ant Eradication Program is currently working in progressive 10 km bands of eradication treatments moving steadily towards the Queensland coast. Treatments are followed by years of surveillance to guarantee eradication treatment success.
‘These tactics reduce reinfestation risk and enable the repopulation of native ants into previously fire ant-infested sites improving the resilience of terrain to future fire ant reinfestation.’
‘If we are going to successfully eradicate fire ants, we can’t just kill some nests, we must destroy every nest and do it systematically.’