New Fire Ant Detection in Bilinga Sparks Border Biosecurity Response
BILINGA, QLD — Authorities are urging residents and businesses in Bilinga, on the southern Gold Coast, to stay alert following the detection of fire ants in the area. The discovery was confirmed on Friday, 11 April, after a nest was located and destroyed by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
Fire ant eradication officers responded promptly, using direct nest injection to destroy the infestation. Program scientists have confirmed the ants were indeed red imported fire ants, one of the world’s most invasive and dangerous ant species.
While the detection occurred within the program’s designated surveillance zone, the event has triggered intensive treatment and surveillance activities within a 500-metre radius of the site to ensure no other nests go undetected.
Given Bilinga’s close proximity to the NSW-Queensland border, the NSW Department of Primary Industries has issued a Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order, placing restrictions on the movement of carrier materials such as soil, mulch, hay, turf, manure, potted plants, and quarry materials to reduce the risk of fire ants spreading.
“Eradicating fire ants is a community-wide effort,” the program said in a statement. “We’re asking everyone in Bilinga to check their properties and report any suspicious ant activity.”
What to Look For
Fire ants:
- Are copper-brown with darker abdomens
- Range in size from 2mm to 6mm within the same nest
- Build mound-like nests or loose soil patches without visible entry or exit holes
How to Help
Residents and businesses can help by:
- Inspecting their property for ants or unusual nests
- Reporting sightings online at fireants.org.au or calling 132 ANT (13 22 68)
- Allowing eradication officers access to their property for inspections and treatment
- Preventing the movement of materials that may carry fire ants
Authorities are also conducting compliance checks and material tracing to determine the possible source of the infestation.
Fire ants pose a serious threat to agriculture, the environment, and public health, and their spread is often facilitated by human-assisted transport. Public cooperation is critical to keeping the pest contained and ultimately eradicated.
For updates, infestation maps, or to report a suspected sighting, visit fireants.org.au or call 132 ANT (13 22 68
