Red imported fire ants in Australia

Fire ants have the potential to invade most of the coastal areas of Australia, and large areas of Australia’s tropical north, including world heritage areas and national parks.[2]

Fire ants are very aggressive and feed voraciously on ground dwelling animals, such as insects, frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals. As a result, they could displace or eliminate some of Australia’s native animals, including endangered birds such as the southern cassowary and Gouldian finch,[6] and threatened turtles such as the hawksbill turtle and the green turtle. Fire ants are also a threat to native plants because they eat and damage seeds and seedlings, as well as some of the insects and animals that pollinate native plants. These impacts can cause major disruptions to ecosystems over time.[2]

Fire ants are a serious threat to human health because of their sting which causes a painful, burning sensation. They swarm to attack and sting repeatedly. Stings may be lethal if a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) occurs and experts predict that fire ants could be responsible for up to 3,000 anaphylactic reactions in Australia each year if they spread. There is also a risk of secondary infection if the blisters or pustules that result from the stings are broken.[7] Fire ants could also seriously disrupt Australia’s outdoor lifestyle, as has been the case in the USA where fire ants have been responsible for 85 deaths.[8] Everyday activities, such as barbecues, picnics and sporting events may no longer be possible in highly infested areas. Pets and domestic animals can also be stung and injured, and may have allergic reactions or be blinded by exposure to venom.[2]

Modelling by the Queensland government shows that fire ants have the potential to cost the state an estimated $45 billion Australian dollars in south-east Queensland alone.[9] Costs include impacts on agriculture, machinery and infrastructure.

According to the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, fire ants kill farm animals and crops, with newborn animals being particularly vulnerable. Fire ants sting in and around the eyes, mouth and nose which can cause blindness, swelling and suffocation. Fire ants also invade the food and water supplies of animals and deter them from feeding and drinking, leading to starvation and dehydration. Fire ants also damage crops by eating seeds and tunnelling through roots and stems. They protect some species of pest insects that produce 'honeydew'. The increased presence of these pests may affect the quality of produce and assist the spread of disease.[2]

In the USA, fire ant mounds have destroyed equipment such as irrigation systems and damaged machinery during harvesting operations. The mounds have also been a problem in lawns, sporting fields and golf courses. The ants have also damaged roads, footpaths and expensive electrical equipment, often seriously.[10] Control costs are also significant, and it is estimated that up to June 2016 federal, state and territory governments have already spent more than $329 million in total attempting to eradicate the ants. In the USA, fire ants have cost the economy an estimated $7 billion American dollars.[11]