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Fire ant identification

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Fire ant identification

If you suspect fire ants

Don't touch the ants or the nest, or try to treat the nest yourself. If stung, refer to the fire ant first aid page. Seek medical attention if allergic to insect stings. Call Biosecurity Queensland immediately.

Early detection is essential to control the spread of fire ants.

Call us  13 25 23

Size range of fire ant workers alongside queen as a scale comparison (courtesy Texas A&M University).
Fire ants range in size from 2-6 mm. Nests typically contain ants in a range of sizes. (Photograph courtesy of Texas A&M University)
Photo of a Red Imported Fire Ant worker against scale to 5mm
Fire ants are reddish-brown with a black-dark brown abdomen.
Photo of young fire ant nest, SE Queensland
Nests do not have visible entry or exit holes.
Photo of chambers inside broken open fire ant nest along side a boot
The internal honeycomb structure of the nest is revealed. Warning! Never intentionally disturb fire ant nests.

General information

First detected in the Brisbane area in February 2001, these South American ants pose a serious social, economic and environmental threat. Fire ants have been declared a notifiable pest under the Plant Protection Act 1989 and landholders must report suspected sightings of fire ants on their property to Biosecurity Queensland or face heavy fines.

Overview

Species name

Solenopsis invicta
Description

Ants

  • Small 2-6 mm
  • Variety of sizes within each nest
  • Head and body are coppery-brown, abdomen is darker
  • Aggressive, particularly near the nest
  • Inflict a painful sting

Nests

  • Contain a range of ant sizes
  • No obvious entry or exit holes
  • Various shapes and sizes
  • Often appear as dome-shaped mounds, up to 40 cm high
Similiar species

Easily confused with the common coastal brown ant and other local native ants.
See the photo gallery for identification help.
Location of nests
  • Mounds are not always evident, but are usually found in open areas such as lawns, pastures, along roadsides and unused cropland.
  • Nests are also found next to or under other objects on the ground, such as timber, logs, rocks, pavers or bricks.
  • Nests are also found in buildings and near electrical equipment.
  • Mounds are rarely found in frequently cultivated areas.
Distribution in Australia

Fire ants are found in South East Queensland, around Brisbane, Logan and Ipswich. See maps of the fire ant areas.
Human health

Fire ants inflict a fiery sting, which can cause a severe acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If stung, apply first aid.
Seek medical attention if showing any sign of adverse reaction to stings.
What to do if you think you see a fire ant

Avoid contact with the ants.

Related information

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Page maintained by Jessica Thompson
Last reviewed 05 March 2012

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