The different sizes of fire ants compared to a 10-cent coin. Photo: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
Queensland eradication officers have never ‘planted’ fire ants, a senior official says in rejecting false claims made on social media.
The National Fire Ants Eradication Program’s acting executive program director Marni Manning took aim at the false claims made by fringe groups that are circulating online.
“These allegations are untrue and downright dangerous,” she says.
“None of our officers have ‘planted fire ants’ nor have they been arrested.”
She says the false claims are another attempt by “certain” parties to interfere with our program and jeopardise national eradication efforts without naming those involved.
“Fire ants will have devastating impacts on human and animal health, our environment, economy, and outdoor way of life,” Manning says.
“I urge the community to verify the validity and credibility of information — not everything online or in the media is true.”
She reassured Queensland residents that the program is fully behind their staff who have been falsely linked to these “reckless allegations”.
“Our staff, like everyone, have the right to feel safe while doing their jobs,” she says.
“Please do your own research, using trusted sources, and if you have any questions, please visit fireants.org.au or call us on 132 ANT (13 22 68).”
Manning says the program remains focused on eradicating the invasive pest by 2032.
FAST SELF-TREATMENT
Meanwhile, Queensland’s Fire Ant Suppression Taskforce (FAST) is providing two fire ant self-treatment options for residents in Brisbane/Logan/Ipswich and Gold Coast.
A fast-acting nest treatment kit for is when you find fire ants and a proactive yard treatment kit for hidden fire ants.
Once residents report fire ants, they will receive a self-treatment kit in the mail, the program says.
This service is available to residents in the suppression area year-round.
The yard treatment kit helps residents keep fire ants that might be underground, or on a nearby property, at bay.
Registered residents will receive two free yard treatment kits each financial year.
Brisbane has 8362 registered properties, 5526 in Logan, 3045 on the Gold Coast and 3466 in Ipswich.
