Aussie property owners called to action over 'world's worst' invasive threat
Authorities are calling on property owners impacted by a concerning invasive species spreading across Australia to do the right thing amid concerns that a program to stop the spread has been put in jeopardy by those refusing treatments.
Residents who live in fire ant hotspots along specific areas in southeast Queensland can be visited up to six times in two years to get eradication treatment on their properties, but those carrying out the work have recently reported they have been threatened and "intimidated".
The Invasive Species Council (ISC) believes there has been misinformation spreading about the treatment, sparking fear that it impacts public health and the health of their pets. However, the treatment — which involves a bait that renders the queens infertile — has been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) and has the least impact on wildlife and the environment. Disinformation about the treatment has been branded "dangerous".
"Fire ant treatments are scientifically proven to be non-toxic to humans, animals, including cats and dogs, and the environment when used as directed," ISC Advocacy Manager Reece Pianta said.
"While we understand there are some well-meaning concerns, we want to assure everyone that fire ant treatments are safe, effective and do not harm animals... fire ants can sting and cause injury or even death to pets. Treatments and insecticides are used overseas to protect domestic animals from the impacts of fire ants."
Pianta called out the threatening behaviour being reported, branding it as "disgraceful".
"[It] must stop," he said.
🚨 Photo reveals 'devastating' threat fenced off as Australia on high alert
👶 Strangers find Aussie toddler wandering alone, covered in ants
‼️ What to do if you're stung by a fire ant
Fire ants are deemed "one of the world's worst invasive species" and are a direct threat to human health as their stings can cause skin irritation and severe allergic reactions which can cause hospitalisation and even death.
When a red ant nest is disturbed, the colony work together to attack the perceived predator, and hundreds of ants can inject venom into the skin. The stings are painful giving off a fire-like burning sensation before swelling and redness occur. Days later, sting sites develop blisters and pustules.
Fire ants are highly mobile and can travel up to five kilometres, easily establishing new nests and spreading rapidly, meaning intervention is an absolute necessity if we want to prevent the country from being overrun with the pests.
Fire ants have been a serious issue in the US, and reports of some homeowners taking matters into their own hands began to circulate. Residents were "pouring petrol on their lawns and regularly using chemicals-off label" which the ISC warned would be an "environmental disaster" if adopted in Australia.
"If fire ants spread, we could see 650,000 additional medical visits annually as Australians are stung in parks, backyards, and public spaces," Pianta said. "If we are going to successfully eradicate fire ants, we can't just kill some nests, we must destroy every nest and do it systematically."
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