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Red Imported Fire Ants in NSW
Red imported fire ants (fire ants) have been detected at Murwillumbah in November 2023, and Wardell in January 2024. Fire ants are invasive exotic pests, and cause costly damage to electrical and agricultural equipment, harm pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals, and damage ecosystems beyond repair.
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They are aggressive and while individual stings feel like a slight burn, fire ants are known to perform 'stinging attacks' where they rapidly swarm and sting repeatedly. Multiple stings (potentially hundreds) are more likely during these attacks, and result in a more severe burning sensation and increase the potential of adverse reactions.
It is imperative that we all do our bit to ensure that we stop the spread of fire ants into NSW.
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Classroom teaching resources
The links below give you access to the Fire Ant Primary and Secondary resources, citizen science guides and interviews with DPI Scientists covering fire ant identification and advice on surveillance and reporting.
Information and posters for schools
For schools in the in close proximity to the areas where fire ants have been detected find below link to an information pack and posters.
The information pack is a Word document with information for school staff and community members including what resources are available and newsletter content.
Click on the image to the left to download.
Posters are included for school information, asset managers and procurement.
Click on the image to left to download a zip file of all the posters.