Fire ant attacks surge in Queensland after flooding

Residents in Queensland are experiencing a surge in fire ant attacks since ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred hit the area. The heavy rainfall forced these invasive ants out of their nests and allowed them to spread across the region. Since March 1, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has received 60 reports of serious reactions to fire ant stings. This includes 23 hospitalizations. Residents like Scott Rider from Cedar Grove have suffered painful bites even while trying to manage the issue at home. He described fire ants crawling everywhere, including inside houses and on farm equipment. The situation is urgent for many. In Greenbank, Ebony Britton recently lost her puppy to a fire ant nest. Her son, Kaleb Wilson, has had two severe allergic reactions to ant bites that required emergency treatment. Britton is already dealing with her own health challenges, battling stage-three breast cancer. The government’s plan to eradicate fire ants by 2032 has slowed their spread. However, residents in the inner suppression zone feel they are not getting enough support. Many are now responsible for treating the pests on their own properties. Kirsty McKenna, who runs a farm in Allenview, reported a dramatic increase in nests after the cyclone. She has been dedicating significant time each week to monitor and treat fire ants, fearing damage to her horses. The Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce transitioned to a self-treatment model in late 2024, meaning fewer resources for residents. This approach has raised concerns about the effectiveness of controlling fire ant populations, according to experts. Reece Pianta from the Invasive Species Council noted that insufficient support could lead to the spread of fire ants beyond the affected areas. Due to the increasing risks, New South Wales has temporarily banned hay movements from Queensland's fire-ant-infested regions. The turf industry, heavily impacted by these restrictions, is also feeling the heat. Turf Queensland president Hugo Struss highlighted the serious implications if fire ants spread to playgrounds and sports fields. Residents are being urged to report sightings of fire ants quickly. However, some, like Carolyn Davidson, have expressed frustration over slow responses from Biosecurity Queensland after reporting the problem.