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. 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.

​

Classroom teaching resources:

Watch the 'Fighting the fire ant as a citizen scientist webinar' and PowerPoint presentation to complete the student worksheet below. Content covers biosecurity and fire ant identification, nest identification and advice on reporting.