Latest news with #ScottRider
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Residents sound alarm after invasive red fire ants land over 20 people in hospital, kill puppy: 'They're just everywhere'
Invasive red fire ants are wreaking havoc in Australia, sending dozens of people to hospitals and creating worry about how bad things will get. After the remnants of Cyclone Alfred dumped heavy rain on Southeast Queensland in early March, an already big problem worsened, CNN reported, citing the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Sixty people required medical attention because of fire ant stings, and 23 were hospitalized. A puppy was found dead on a fire ant nest, and livestock and native species are at risk as well. The government has earmarked another 24 million Australian dollars for suppression efforts, but residents are concerned about the ants' explosion and potential for harm, which includes pustules and allergic reactions in humans. "They're just everywhere. They're crawling over patios, they're coming into our homes, they get flicked up on the lawn mower, on the tractor," construction worker Scott Rider told ABC Rural. Fire ants reached the country via Brisbane in 2001 and have since spread to Queensland, New South Wales, and the Murray-Darling Basin, according to the Invasive Species Council. CNN noted the critters have established themselves in North America and China and last year for the first time were seen in Europe. Over 95% of Australia is susceptible to the invasive species, and it could cost the economy $2 billion AUD every year. A study also estimated that 38% of mammals, 45% of birds, 69% of reptiles, and 95% of frogs in Southeast Queensland would experience population declines because of the ants. The state Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce has set up a perimeter around the infestation to try to keep the animals from spreading further. It has so far spent $61 million AUD on bait and aerial treatments to reduce the density of colonies by up to 80%. "The only assistance that residents in the [suppression] zone are getting is bait being sent out if they report fire ants," horse agister Kirsty McKenna told ABC Rural. "There is no team assistance and no support." A national plan hopes to eradicate fire ants by 2032, but landholders in the inner suppression zone have to treat the problem themselves. Otherwise, granules are spread via airplanes, helicopters, drones, all-terrain vehicles, and handheld devices, with the size of the treatment area determining the method. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Areas should be undisturbed, including by mowing or watering, for 48 hours afterward, and poultry should be kept away for 24 hours. Hay, turf grass, and other materials also can't be moved without inspection and cannot cross borders. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CNN
24-03-2025
- Health
- CNN
Spread of Australia's red fire ant population has sent 23 people to hospital
Summary Red fire ant attacks are surging in Australia with 23 people hospitalized since March, according to national broadcaster ABC. The invasive species' venomous stings cause pustules, allergic reactions and can be fatal. Queensland residents reported ants invading homes and properties following recent torrential rains that helped spread the insects. Queensland's government announced 24 million Australian dollars ($15 million) in funding to combat the growing infestation. 'We will fight back against the out of control spread of fire ants,' said Tony Perrett, a Queensland minister. The number of people stung by red fire ants in Australia has increased significantly in past weeks, with 23 people requiring hospital treatment since the beginning of March, according to national broadcaster ABC. Originally from South America, the red imported fire ant, or Solenopsis invicta, is one of the world's most invasive species. Its venomous sting causes pustules and allergic reactions and is capable of killing a human. Residents of the state of Queensland in northeastern Australia have battled the ant for years, but the number of attacks on livestock and people has exploded since torrential rains brought on by a slow-moving tropical storm earlier in March, which meant the insects moved above ground and formed rafts to float to new areas. Since March 1, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has received 60 reports of extreme reactions to fire ant stings requiring medical attention, with 23 people hospitalized, ABC reported. Construction worker Scott Rider told ABC Rural that his feet were covered in sores after repeated ant bites. 'They're just everywhere, they're crawling over patios, they're coming into our homes, they get flicked up on the lawn mower, on the tractor,' Rider said. Another Queensland local found her puppy dead on top of a fire ant nest, ABC reported. On Monday, the Queensland state government announced funding for fire ant suppression measures worth 24 million Australian dollars ($15 million). 'Fire ants can have devastating impacts on the economy, environment, health and outdoor way of life,' the government said in a statement. 'If left untreated, they can destroy crops, gardens and parks and endanger humans, wildlife, animals and pets,' it added. Over the past century, red fire ants have spread throughout much of the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China and Australia. Last year, they were spotted in Europe for the first time. Australia's first fire ant infestation was in 2001, according to the country's Invasive Species Council (ISC). Modeling by the ISC suggests fire ants will spread to 'every corner of Australia' if the outbreak in Queensland isn't curbed. Queensland's minister for primary industries, Tony Perrett, said in the government statement: 'Fire ants have run rampant in other countries, stopping sports, cancelling BBQs, closing beaches, and severely impacting outdoor lifestyle.' 'We will fight back against the out of control spread of fire ants,' he said, adding: 'I am very confident we will be able to prevent a fully-fledged invasion.'
CNN
24-03-2025
- Health
- CNN
Spread of Australia's red fire ant population has sent 23 people to hospital
Summary Red fire ant attacks are surging in Australia with 23 people hospitalized since March, according to national broadcaster ABC. The invasive species' venomous stings cause pustules, allergic reactions and can be fatal. Queensland residents reported ants invading homes and properties following recent torrential rains that helped spread the insects. Queensland's government announced 24 million Australian dollars ($15 million) in funding to combat the growing infestation. 'We will fight back against the out of control spread of fire ants,' said Tony Perrett, a Queensland minister. The number of people stung by red fire ants in Australia has increased significantly in past weeks, with 23 people requiring hospital treatment since the beginning of March, according to national broadcaster ABC. Originally from South America, the red imported fire ant, or Solenopsis invicta, is one of the world's most invasive species. Its venomous sting causes pustules and allergic reactions and is capable of killing a human. Residents of the state of Queensland in northeastern Australia have battled the ant for years, but the number of attacks on livestock and people has exploded since torrential rains brought on by a slow-moving tropical storm earlier in March, which meant the insects moved above ground and formed rafts to float to new areas. Since March 1, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has received 60 reports of extreme reactions to fire ant stings requiring medical attention, with 23 people hospitalized, ABC reported. Construction worker Scott Rider told ABC Rural that his feet were covered in sores after repeated ant bites. 'They're just everywhere, they're crawling over patios, they're coming into our homes, they get flicked up on the lawn mower, on the tractor,' Rider said. Another Queensland local found her puppy dead on top of a fire ant nest, ABC reported. On Monday, the Queensland state government announced funding for fire ant suppression measures worth 24 million Australian dollars ($15 million). 'Fire ants can have devastating impacts on the economy, environment, health and outdoor way of life,' the government said in a statement. 'If left untreated, they can destroy crops, gardens and parks and endanger humans, wildlife, animals and pets,' it added. Over the past century, red fire ants have spread throughout much of the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China and Australia. Last year, they were spotted in Europe for the first time. Australia's first fire ant infestation was in 2001, according to the country's Invasive Species Council (ISC). Modeling by the ISC suggests fire ants will spread to 'every corner of Australia' if the outbreak in Queensland isn't curbed. Queensland's minister for primary industries, Tony Perrett, said in the government statement: 'Fire ants have run rampant in other countries, stopping sports, cancelling BBQs, closing beaches, and severely impacting outdoor lifestyle.' 'We will fight back against the out of control spread of fire ants,' he said, adding: 'I am very confident we will be able to prevent a fully-fledged invasion.'
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Spread of Australia's red fire ant population has sent 23 people to hospital
Sign up for CNN's Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. The number of people stung by red fire ants in Australia has increased significantly in past weeks, with 23 people requiring hospital treatment since the beginning of March, according to national broadcaster ABC. Originally from South America, the red imported fire ant, or Solenopsis invicta, is one of the world's most invasive species. Its venomous sting causes pustules and allergic reactions and is capable of killing a human. Residents of the state of Queensland in northeastern Australia have battled the ant for years, but the number of attacks on livestock and people has exploded since torrential rains brought on by a slow-moving tropical storm earlier in March, which meant the insects moved above ground and formed rafts to float to new areas. Since March 1, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has received 60 reports of extreme reactions to fire ant stings requiring medical attention, with 23 people hospitalized, ABC reported. Construction worker Scott Rider told ABC Rural that his feet were covered in sores after repeated ant bites. 'They're just everywhere, they're crawling over patios, they're coming into our homes, they get flicked up on the lawn mower, on the tractor,' Rider said. Another Queensland local found her puppy dead on top of a fire ant nest, ABC reported. On Monday, the Queensland state government announced funding for fire ant suppression measures worth 24 million Australian dollars ($15 million). 'Fire ants can have devastating impacts on the economy, environment, health and outdoor way of life,' the government said in a statement. 'If left untreated, they can destroy crops, gardens and parks and endanger humans, wildlife, animals and pets,' it added. Over the past century, red fire ants have spread throughout much of the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China and Australia. Last year, they were spotted in Europe for the first time. Australia's first fire ant infestation was in 2001, according to the country's Invasive Species Council (ISC). Modeling by the ISC suggests fire ants will spread to 'every corner of Australia' if the outbreak in Queensland isn't curbed. Queensland's minister for primary industries, Tony Perrett, said in the government statement: 'Fire ants have run rampant in other countries, stopping sports, cancelling BBQs, closing beaches, and severely impacting outdoor lifestyle.' 'We will fight back against the out of control spread of fire ants,' he said, adding: 'I am very confident we will be able to prevent a fully-fledged invasion.'
CNN
24-03-2025
- Health
- CNN
Spread of Australia's red fire ant population has sent 23 people to hospital
The number of people stung by red fire ants in Australia has increased significantly in past weeks, with 23 people requiring hospital treatment since the beginning of March, according to national broadcaster ABC. Originally from South America, the red imported fire ant, or Solenopsis invicta, is one of the world's most invasive species. Its venomous sting causes pustules and allergic reactions and is capable of killing a human. Residents of the state of Queensland in northeastern Australia have battled the ant for years, but the number of attacks on livestock and people has exploded since torrential rains brought on by a slow-moving tropical storm earlier in March, which meant the insects moved above ground and formed rafts to float to new areas. Since March 1, the National Fire Ant Eradication Program has received 60 reports of extreme reactions to fire ant stings requiring medical attention, with 23 people hospitalized, ABC reported. Construction worker Scott Rider told ABC Rural that his feet were covered in sores after repeated ant bites. 'They're just everywhere, they're crawling over patios, they're coming into our homes, they get flicked up on the lawn mower, on the tractor,' Rider said. Another Queensland local found her puppy dead on top of a fire ant nest, ABC reported. On Monday, the Queensland state government announced funding for fire ant suppression measures worth 24 million Australian dollars ($15 million). 'Fire ants can have devastating impacts on the economy, environment, health and outdoor way of life,' the government said in a statement. 'If left untreated, they can destroy crops, gardens and parks and endanger humans, wildlife, animals and pets,' it added. Over the past century, red fire ants have spread throughout much of the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China and Australia. Last year, they were spotted in Europe for the first time. Australia's first fire ant infestation was in 2001, according to the country's Invasive Species Council (ISC). Modeling by the ISC suggests fire ants will spread to 'every corner of Australia' if the outbreak in Queensland isn't curbed. Queensland's minister for primary industries, Tony Perrett, said in the government statement: 'Fire ants have run rampant in other countries, stopping sports, cancelling BBQs, closing beaches, and severely impacting outdoor lifestyle.' 'We will fight back against the out of control spread of fire ants,' he said, adding: 'I am very confident we will be able to prevent a fully-fledged invasion.'
