Red fire ant nest destroyed at Enfield in Sydney's inner west
The ants likely arrived in a shipping container from overseas, not from south-east Queensland.
A nest of imported red fire ants was found at a logistics centre in Enfield, Sydney's inner west. The ants were discovered in a lure used by Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry officials.
The ants were likely imported in a shipping container from overseas, not from south-east Queensland. The nest has been destroyed.
Specialist detection dog teams searched the area and have found no other nests. Next, properties within 500 metres will be inspected and treated, with nest searches out to 2 kilometres.
The Invasive Species Council says fire ants would cost the economy up to $2 billion a year if they spread. Fire ants were found at Port Botany in 2014 and were eradicated.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said fire ants can and have been successfully eradicated in NSW.
- 500 metres around the logistics centre
- Inspection radius
- 2 kilometres
- Nest search radius
- Up to $2 billion a year
- Cost if spread
Why it mattersIn south-east Queensland, fire ants invade backyards, parks and sporting fields, and can attack pets and wildlife.
AustraliaBusinesses dealing in soil, turf, building materials or vegetation in NSW will be contacted to help stop any spread.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
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