Solenopsis invicta

Nests:

• No obvious entry or exit holes
• Come in various shapes and sizes
• Can be mounds or just some loose soil
• Can be found under and around logs, rocks and garden material

Behaviour:

• Aggressive, particularly near the nest
• Can inflict a painful sting

Ants:

• Small 2-6 mm
• Variety of sizes within each nest
• Head and body are coppery-brown, abdomen is darker

Watch a video about how to identify fire ants and their nests

Fire ant mounds are not always easily identifiable. They can be up to 40cm high, but may also be flat and look like a small patch of disturbed soil. They are usually found in open areas such as lawns, pastures, along roadsides and unused cropland.

Nests are also found next to or under other objects on the ground, such as timber, logs, rocks, pavers or bricks.

Fire ants have been found in South East Queensland, around Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redland and Scenic Rim. Isolated infestations have been found north of the Gold Coast and in the Lockyer Valley. View a map of the current fire ant restricted area.

Stings are painful, and the burning or itching sensation can last up to an hour. Victims of multiple stings may feel as if their body is on fire.

After several hours small pustules may form at sting sites. These may become itchy and can take up to 10 days to heal. There is a risk of secondary infection if the pustules break.

If stung by fire ants:

• Apply a cold compress to relieve the swelling and pain.
• Gently wash the affected area with soap and water and leave the blister intact.
• Seek medical attention if you are allergic to insect stings or experience symptoms of allergy.

In extremely rare cases fire ant stings can cause a severe and sometimes fatal allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Seek medical attention if showing any sign of adverse reaction to stings.

Avoid contact with the ants.

• In Queensland, call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or complete the online report form. Under Queensland legislation, fire ants are a notifiable pest and must be reported to Biosecurity Queensland.
• In New South Wales, call the Department of Primary Industries on 1800 084 881.
• In Victoria, call the Department of Primary Industries on 13 61 86.