How to report invasive ants

Unlike our native ants they are not a natural part of the Australian landscape, and can threaten our wildlife, ecosystems, agriculture and even people through their aggressive behaviour.

Most new infestations of invasive ants in Australia have been uncovered by ordinary people who saw something and reported it.

Uncovering new infestations before they spread is vital to keeping Australia safe from these dangerous ant species, and dramatically minimises the cost of eradication programs.

Due to their small size these ants can be hard to identify. We have compiled these identification resources to help you.

If you think you have seen any of these high risk ants, or if you are in doubt, please report what you have found to the biosecurity contacts for your state or territory listed below.

Identification guides

• Red imported fire ants >>
• Yellow crazy ants >>
• Electric ants >>
• Argentine ant >>
• Coastal brown ants/big-headed ants >>
• Browsing ants >>

Reporting hotlines

• National Exotic Plant Pest Hotline: 1800 084 881

This number will connect you to the correct biosecurity agency in the state you are calling from. It can be used to report exotic plant diseases and insects. Individual state agency contacts are also listed below.

Queensland

• Phone 1800 084 881 – exotic plant pest hotline (also for reporting insects)
  or 13 25 23 (Queensland callers only) or +61 7 3404 6999 – option 2
• Email info@daf.qld.gov.au
• Online reporting of red imported fire ants or electric ants in Queensland >>
• More information >>

New South Wales

• Phone 1800 084 881 – exotic plant pest hotline (also for reporting insects)
• Email biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au
• Online reporting of red imported fire ants in NSW >>

Northern Territory

• Phone 1800 084 881 – exotic plant pest hotline (also for reporting insects)
  or 08 8999 2258 – NT Government entomologist
• Email statecoordinator.bpi@nt.gov.au
• More information >>

Western Australia

• Phone 1800 084 881 – exotic plant pest hotline (also for reporting insects)
• Email info@agric.wa.gov.au or mypestguide@agric.wa.gov.au
• Reporting apps >>

Australian Capital Territory

• Phone 1800 084 881 – exotic plant pest hotline (also for reporting insects)
  or 13 22 81 – Territory and Municipal Services
• More information >>

Victoria

• Phone 1800 084 881 – exotic plant pest hotline (also for reporting insects)
  or 136 186 – DELWP customer service
• Email customer.service@delwp.vic.gov.au
• More information >>

Tasmania

• Phone 1800 084 881 – exotic plant pest hotline (also for reporting insects)
  or 1300 368 688 – invasive species hotline, 03 6165 3777 – DPIPWE customer service
• Email Quarantine.Enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
• More information >>