In May 2025, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) issued their latest fire ant emergency order as the size of the Queensland infested area continues to grow. Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) is asking the Snowy Monaro community to be alert and keep an eye out for potential local incursions of this dangerous invasive species on Council ovals, playgrounds, recreational areas, and roadsides.
PHOTO: Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are highly invasive.
While there are only two known red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) infested areas in the north of NSW, as low rainfall and drought conditions continue across much of south-eastern Australia the risk of a local incursion spread by hay, mulch, or other organic material is real.
Fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species. They swarm humans and animals and sting repeatedly, causing severe pain and anaphylaxis – sometimes even resulting in death. These ants can form massive ‘super-colonies’ that can destroy ecosystems and farmland, and their presence can render the public spaces we all rely on every day unsafe and unusable.
Attacks on livestock can cause suffocation and blindness, and their presence alone can cut stock off from sources of feed and water causing starvation and dehydration.
Even in smaller numbers, this invasive pest can cause enormous damage to our environment, farmland, native animals, kids, pets, and infrastructure.
A spokesperson for SMRC said, “Council is asking residents and visitors to take a few minutes to familiarise themselves with red imported fire ants, how to identify them, and what do if you think you might have found them on local public lands.”
If you think you’ve seen fire ants or their nests, follow the DPI’s three-step process:
- LEAVE IT: Do not destroy or treat the nest. Fire ants are prohibited matter in NSW.
- SNAP IT: Safely take a clear photo or video for identification.
- CALL IT: Call the hotline on 1800 680 244, submit online at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants, or through the BioResponse NSW app.
“If the sighting is on Council land or property, please call Council on 1300 345 345.”
Visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/bfs/insect-pests/rifa to learn more.
If you work in agriculture, horticulture, or related fields, it is particularly important to understand what you need to do to avoid the risk of spreading fire ants through purchased feed, equipment, soil, or other known carriers.
Visit the link above for all the information you need to know to protect yourself, your livelihood, and our region against this threat.