Red imported fire ant (RIFA) (Solenopsis invicta) is one of the worst invasive species to reach Australia. These ants impact our environment and many industries, including agriculture. They can restrict everyday activities such as barbeques, picnics and sporting events.
RIFA can inflict painful bites on people, pets and livestock. They can also cause extensive damage to ecological and agricultural systems.
Detection in Australia
RIFA was first detected in Australia in February 2001. Infestations were found in South-East Queensland, at:
- Port of Brisbane (along a fence line at an approved arrangement facility)
- southwestern suburbs of Brisbane.
Other recent RIFA outbreaks include detections at:
- Fremantle Port in WA (2019)
- Port of Brisbane in QLD (2021).
These outbreaks are unrelated to the detections in South-East Queensland.
Past detections
Several RIFA incursions in Australia have been successfully eradicated. This includes:
- Yarwun, QLD in 2013
- Port Botany, New South Wales in 2014
- Brisbane Airport, QLD in 2015
- Port of Brisbane (Fisherman Island), QLD in 2016.
Response programs
Response programs are under way in:
- South-East Queensland
- Fremantle Port in WA
- Port of Brisbane in QLD.
RIFA is a nationally significant pest under the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement (NEBRA).
This ant is the target of a national cost-shared eradication program.
South-East Queensland
RIFA has been under eradication in Queensland since 2001. The Qld Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) leads the response.
The program operates under an approved response plan. The plan covers all aspects of the response including:
- a surveillance and monitoring program
- treatment to eradicate the antat infected sites
- movement restrictions at high-risk sites and on potential host material
- monitoring after treatment to ensure premises remain pest free for at least of 24 months.
The plan was endorsed through the national emergency response arrangements. Costs are shared between the Australian, state and territory governments. The Queensland government contributes extra resources and funding to the eradication program.
The program is governed by a national steering committee. It includes representatives from Australian, state and territory governments.
See more at Fire ants (qld.gov.au).
Port of Brisbane, Queensland
The QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) leads the response.
Response activities are progressing toward eradication of RIFA. Treatments at the site were completed in June 2022. Final surveillance activities are expected to finish by late 2023. Odour detection dogs were used in the surveillance effort. This will provide confidence that the treatment has been effective.
Western Australia
RIFA was detected at Fremantle Port in 2019. The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) leads the response.
Response activities are progressing toward eradication of RIFA. Surveillance activities show that the ant has not spread beyond the area. Treatments at the site were completed in November 2021.
Surveillance has continued across the port since treatment finished in 2021. Odour detection dogs are involved in the surveillance effort. This will provide confidence that the treatment has been effective.
Businesses that use the port are supporting the surveillance, treatment and eradication efforts.
See more at Fire ants (wa.gov.au)
See more
How we coordinate a response to an outbreak.
Your obligations
If you live or work around affected areas in QLD or WA, look out for this ant. You must report any suspected sightings.
Report sightings
Report any unusual ants, even if you’re not sure.
Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 to report signs of browsing ants.
For signs of exotic pests and diseases in imported goods, sea containers or parcels, call See. Secure. Report on 1800 798 636 or use our online form.
Follow the rules
Keep exotic dangerous pests and diseases out of Australia. Never ignore our strict biosecurity rules.
You may need to treat and certify import shipments. Before you import, check our Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).
Movement restrictions
Movement restrictions are mandated at infested sites. You must adhere to them. They ensure the ant is not moved out of infested areas or interstate.
See more about response activities and restrictions in each state:
About the pest
RIFA is an exotic invasive ant and an environmental pest.
The ant is native to South America. It has spread to the United States, China, Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines and Australia.
What to look for
RIFA are copper brown in colour, with a darker abdomen. They are 2-6mm in length and highly aggressive. A single RIFA nest can contain many different sized ants.
Fire ants can adapt to most climates and environments around the world. They invade both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Watch
See Fire ant identification video (YouTube – Biosecurity Queensland)
Impacts
Red imported fire ant impacts our environment and our way of life. Australia’s climate, landscape and absence of natural predators make a perfect home for RIFA.
RIFA can inflict painful bites on people, wildlife, pets and livestock. They also cause extensive damage to ecological and agricultural systems and infrastructure.
See more at Impacts - National Fire Ant Eradication Program (fireants.org.au)
How it spreads
Fire ants are highly mobile. They can fly up to 5km and travel over and underground. They can also raft on waterways after floods or rain.
Ants can hitchhike on goods and vehicles. They can move with shipping containers and cargo. They can also hide in soil, mulch, fertiliser and plant material.
Exotic invasive ants are included on:
- National Priority Plant Pest List (2019)
- National Priority List of Exotic Environmental Pests, Weeds and Diseases (2020)