Red Fire Ants Forming Rafts to Travel on Flood Waters in Queensland

The Threat of Red Fire Ants

The recent heavy rainfall and wild weather in the northeastern Australian state of Queensland has brought to light the threat posed by red fire ants. These invasive species are now forming rafts to travel on flood waters, raising concerns about their spread to other areas. Reece Pianta, advocacy manager at Australia’s Invasive Species Council (ISC), has warned that the extreme weather could accelerate the spread of fire ants, which are considered one of the world’s worst invasive species.

Two rafts of fire ants are seen floating on water in this screengrab taken from video released by Australia's Invasive Species Council in January 2024.

According to Pianta, fire ants become more active before or after rainfall and can form large floating rafts that move with water currents to establish footholds in new areas. This behavior has prompted urgent calls for residents to be on the lookout for any signs of the invasive species. The ISC has also shared a video on social media showing the fire ants traveling in raft formation, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The modeling by the ISC suggests that if the outbreak in Queensland is not curbed, fire ants will spread to 'every corner of Australia'. This dire prediction has prompted significant efforts to address the infestation and prevent the widespread impact of these invasive pests.

Efforts to Control the Infestation

The severity of the fire ant infestation in Queensland has prompted proactive measures to contain and eradicate the invasive species. The ISC recently received a 70 million-Australian-dollar commitment from the state of Victoria to support the national fire ant eradication program. This significant funding boost provides hope that eradication is still possible.

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, originally from South America, is an omnivorous species that poses a threat to crops and livestock. Its venomous sting can cause pustules, allergic reactions, and even fatalities. The impact of these invasive pests has been felt in various regions, including the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China, and Australia. The recent detection of fire ants in Europe further underscores the global reach of this invasive species and the urgency of addressing its spread.

Australia has had previous infestations of fire ants, and efforts have been made to bring them under control. However, the recent detection of fire ants in New South Wales (NSW) has raised concerns about the potential spread of the infestation to the Murray-Darling river basin and beyond. The Minister for Agriculture in NSW has emphasized the serious social, economic, and environmental harm caused by red imported fire ants and has highlighted the need for targeted communication campaigns to encourage reporting and compliance.

Challenges and Concerns

While efforts are being made to address the fire ant infestation, challenges and concerns persist. The rapid spread of fire ants can be accelerated by human activity, such as in cargo containers or shipments of potted plants or soil. This highlights the need for increased vigilance and compliance to prevent the inadvertent spread of these invasive pests.

The recent extreme weather events in Queensland, including heavy rainfall and flooding, have created favorable conditions for the spread of fire ants. The formation of rafts by fire ants to travel on flood waters has raised alarm about the potential countrywide impact of the infestation. With the goal of containing and eradicating the infestations, there is a pressing need for coordinated efforts and public awareness to address the threat posed by red imported fire ants.