Experts are warning of an “alarming” development in the invasion of fire ants in Queensland.
The Invasive Species Council said the discovery of the creatures on the Sunshine Coast may be worse than previously thought.
A new nest in Baringa is close to previous nests it says, which indicates a “broader, more entrenched infestation”.
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“This is alarming,” Invasive Species Council Advocacy Director Reece Pianta said.
“The frequency of new Sunshine Coast detections raises the specter that fire ants have escaped the northern containment boundary, risking large-scale infestation.”
Pianta called for a ”rapid surveillance blitz” to investigate, as well as more money.
“This surveillance project should also trigger an urgent national funding review led by the federal government to ensure resources match the scale of the threat,” Pianta said.
“The latest detection follows a string of other outbreaks across south east Queensland in recent months – many linked to building and construction sites, in materials like soil, mulch and turf.
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“These nests probably slipped through biosecurity zone cracks six to 12 months ago.
“Some can be traced directly back to delays in funding in 2022–23, which meant eradication activities took at least a year longer to get started compared to the southern and western borders.”
Without action, nests can start to spread.
Locals are being urged to check their backyards and report any nests they find.
“This is a national biosecurity emergency unfolding right in front of us,” Pianta said.
“If fire ants escape the current containment zone, they will spread across the country, devastating agriculture, threatening public health, and damaging our wildlife and way of life.”
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The invasive pests formed “rafts” during Cyclone Alfred by linking their legs together, which allowed them to float in the floods, according to the Invasive Species Council.
Fire ants are native to South America but were detected in Brisbane in February 2001.
Authorities believe they hitchhiked on shipping containers from America.
The ants are two to six millimeters long and but can cause devastating environmental, economic, social and health impacts.
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They have also been found in NSW.
They can give a painful sting to humans and animals
Bites can be potentially life-threatening if a severe reaction occurs.
Typically, most people will not need medical treatment and can apply a cold compress and take an antihistamine to manage symptoms.
