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Magazine article
Is Australia’s scorched earth baiting program actually paving the way for fire ant invasion?
The Conversation
03/03/2026
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Abstract
Right now, Australia is undertaking the world’s largest removal of invasive ants. The goal: eradicate fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).
These aggressive South American ants are named for the burning sensation of their sting. They pose risks to many native species – and to human health.
Fire ants have made it to Australia nine times, arriving in cargo ships. Eight times, authorities were able to stamp them out early. But an infestation detected in Brisbane suburb in 2001 has now spread across more than a million hectares of South East Queensland.
Authorities have used broadcast baiting to tackle fire ants, releasing pesticides over massive stretches of land since 2001. This approach works for small outbreaks. But my recent research suggests it may actually be making it easier for fire ants to spread.
Details
- Title
- Is Australia’s scorched earth baiting program actually paving the way for fire ant invasion?
- Creators
- Nigel Andrew - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- The Conversation
- Publisher
- The Conversation Media Group
- Identifiers
- 991013354872202368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Magazine article