🐜 Fire Ant Nest Discovered and Treated in Tweed Heads

A swift biosecurity response was initiated in Tweed Heads after an immature fire ant nest was detected and promptly treated on a local property. The discovery was reported late yesterday, with New South Wales biosecurity teams moving quickly to destroy the non-reproductive nest this morning.

Following the detection, a large team comprising staff from the National Program and the NSW Department of Primary Industries undertook an extensive survey of the 500-metre area surrounding the site to ensure no further fire ant activity was present. A genetic analysis of the specimen fire ants has commenced to determine their likely source, supported by tracing material movements and engaging with the landholder.

To bolster control efforts in Tweed Heads, a new Biosecurity Emergency Control Order will be issued, establishing a 5-kilometre zone around the site. This order will restrict the movement of high-risk materials and facilitate necessary control and treatment measures.

Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are prohibited under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, with strict restrictions on high-risk materials from infested areas of south-east Queensland. The NSW Government has significantly increased funding for fire ant response, allowing teams to react swiftly to sightings.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty highlighted the effectiveness of community involvement. "This detection highlights that our Government’s preparation and education within the Northern Rivers community on preventing and detecting fire ants has fostered a vigilant local community and businesspeople," Minister Moriarty said. "An investigation was immediately commenced following the report of suspected fire ants and the discovery of an immature nest led to its destruction."

NSW Chief Invasive Species Officer Scott Charlton added, "The fact that the nest was immature, or non-productive, is reassuring. A vigilant pest control contractor at the site quickly identified suspected fire ants. This is yet another reminder that vigilance, awareness and early detection are critical to keep these things out of NSW."

Tweed residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspected fire ant sightings. Prompt reporting is crucial in preventing the spread of this invasive species.