FREE fire ant treatment kits are now available for residents of Algester, Calamvale, Parkinson, Stretton, Drewvale, Pallara, Heathwood, Karawatha, Larapinta, and part of Forest Lake.
The free kits have been made possible through the Calamvale Ward Fire Ant Eradication Project, in partnership with Biosecurity Queensland and the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program, aimed at eradicating fire ants over a period of 10 years.
The national program will cost $411.4 million and will be implemented in three phases: Search and Suppress, Treat, and Search and Clear.
The free treatment kits come in two packs which should be applied eight weeks apart. The kits are now available for distribution at the Calamvale Ward Office from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Checking for Fire Ants
Fire ants were first detected in Brisbane in 2001. These invasive ants can be very aggressive when disturbed. Their sting can cause a burning sensation and allergic reaction which can sometimes lead to death.
What are the best places to check for fire ants? In residential properties, you will most likely find fire ant nests in lawns, garden beds, taps, utility pits, and footpaths. Whilst in rural properties, fire ants tend to build nests in dams and irrigation lines, edges of cultivated land, cropland (post-harvest), fence lines, and piles of organic matter.
Experts advise that it’s best to check your property for fire ants after a heavy downpour, as this would be the time that fire ants typically move their nests above ground.
Fire ants can pose social, economic, and ecological problems if left uncontrolled. The environmental impacts alone can be devastating. If these pests become widely established in Australia, they can cause 45% population decline of birds, 38% of mammals, 69% of reptiles, and 95% of our amphibian population.
If you’re interested in learning more about fire ants and how to get rid of them properly, you can book a slot for an online Fire Ant Awareness training organized by the Queensland Government. The training is FREE and delivered online via video conferencing using MS Teams.
Calamvale Ward Office | Shop 10 Central Park Medical Centre, 168 Algester Rd Calamvale