What are fire ants and why are they a problem for Australia?
Biosecurity experts need Aussies on the lookout for invasive red fire ants, after the super stingers were detected in Sydney for the first time. Here’s why the tiny ants pose a massive challenge for us all
READING LEVEL: GREEN
Invasive* red fire ants were found in a Sydney container yard last week, sparking a major response to stop the super pests from spreading any further.
The ants, which are already in parts of southeast Queensland, were discovered in a shipyard in Sydney’s Inner West, hidden deep under a layer of concrete near a shipping container.
The NSW government has deployed* a team to spend the next two weeks tracking down any more nests, and the public has been asked to contact authorities if they discover fire ants.
WHAT ARE FIRE ANTS?
Red imported fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species.
They are dark reddish-brown and have a brown-black abdomen. The ants are quite small at just 2-6mm.
Nests usually look like patches or mounds of soil up to 40cm high, with no visible entry hole.
Fire ants are aggressive and swarm in large numbers, with a burning sting that can lead to anaphylactic* allergic reactions.
WHY ARE THEY A PROBLEM?
Fire ants have no natural predators* in Australia and can severely impact the environment, economy, agricultural industries, people’s health and pets.
Being stung is very painful and said to feel like your body is on fire, with some people also experiencing an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis*.
Fire ants feed on insects, spiders, lizards, frogs, birds and mammals.
It is estimated fire ants can reduce biodiversity* in up to 45 per cent of birds, 38 per cent of mammals, 69 per cent of reptiles and 95 per cent of frogs, according to the Federal Government.
Crops can also be affected by fire ants, increasing the cost of production and supply.
The NSW government has also warned that fire ant nests could damage equipment, such as irrigation* systems and machinery, and livestock could be stung or starve if prevented from reaching their food.
Fire ants can also cause damage to sensitive electrical equipment like meter boxes, traffic lights and air conditioners by chewing through the insulation.
University of Sydney Professor Dieter Hochuli said finding one nest was concerning.
“Fast action can make the difference between quick eradication* and decades of expensive management,” he said.
“They have been found in Sydney before and, while this needs to be taken seriously, there’s no reason to panic. They’ve been successfully eradicated before.
“It’s interesting the genetics* suggest this isn’t a spread of the Queensland infestation*, but these ants have arrived under their own steam.”
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU’VE FOUND FIRE ANTS
If you live in NSW and think you have discovered fire ants in your garden, a local park or at school, you should tell a trusted adult straightaway. Ask them to take photos or a video of the suspected ants as closely as they can without disturbing the nest, then make a report by using the online form for NSW at forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/9247 or calling 1800 680 244.
It’s very important to avoid disturbing the ants and their nest since they are an aggressive species that could attack if they feel threatened.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will then work with the National Fire Ants Eradication Program to search surrounding areas, treat the ants and stop their spread at no cost to the property owner.
People living in Queensland can report fire ants by calling 13 22 68 (132 ANT) or filling the online form at ants.daf.qld.gov.au/help-me-report/
WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE ANT STING
While fire ants both bite and sting, it’s their sting that can cause an allergic reaction. In fact, the reason they bite is to get a good grip so that they can insert their venomous* stinger, which they can do repeatedly, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The burning sting delivered by a fire ant can be very painful and, since they swarm, an unlucky bystander could be stung hundreds of times within seconds if a nest is disturbed, making them feel like their body is on fire for as long as an hour.
Small white pustules* then form within 48 hours, which can become itchy and infected.
The NSW government urges anyone bitten by a fire ant to seek medical attention if they are prone to allergic reactions or experience symptoms of anaphylaxis.
They should apply a cold compress or ice to the stings to relieve the swelling and pain.
If blisters form on the skin, they should leave them intact, washing gently with soap and water.
POLL
GLOSSARY
- invasive: non-native species introduced to an environment where they have no natural predators, meaning they can rapidly multiply and cause widespread harm
- deployed: positioned, arranged, used something or someone, especially in an effective way
- anaphylactic/anaphylaxis: anaphylaxis or an anaphylactic shock is a sudden life threatening allergic reaction that causes the airways to close within minutes and affects multiple body systems
- predators: other species that hunt and eat fire ants
- biodiversity: biological diversity, or, the variety of different living things
- irrigation: systems set up to provide water to crops
- eradication: completely wiping out a species
- genetics: the DNA structure of the ants found
- infestation: large, unwanted number of pests, insects, or parasites in a place where they cause damage or disease
- venomous: containing venom, which is an active toxin delivered through the bite or sting of a creature, such as an ant or venomous snake
- pustules: small, raised bumps on the skin filled with white or yellowish pus
EXTRA READING
Rapid response as red fire ants breach border
Tiny Fijian bee faces extinction
Cat curfews due to bird flu fears
QUICK QUIZ
1. What do fire ants look like?
2. What do their nests look like?
3. Why do they have the name “fire” ants?
4. Why is it important to try to eradicate fire ants from Sydney and NSW as soon as possible?
5. What do fire ants feed on?
LISTEN TO THIS STORY
CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Safe or unsafe actions if you suspect fire ants
Circle whether the actions below are SAFE or UNSAFE if you come across a possible Fire Ant nest.
- You see a strange mound of soil in a park and leave it undisturbed. Safe/Unsafe
- You poke a suspected ant nest with a stick to see what happens. Safe/Unsafe
- You tell a trusted adult about ants you suspect may be fire ants. Safe/Unsafe
- You pick up some ants to examine them closely. Safe/Unsafe
- You take a photo from a safe distance without disturbing the nest. Safe/Unsafe
- You attempt to destroy the nest using chemicals from home. Safe/Unsafe
- You follow official advice about reporting a suspected infestation. Safe/Unsafe
- You share an unverified social media post claiming that fire ants have been found at your school. Safe/Unsafe
Time: allow 10 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science, Personal and Social, Critical and Creative Thinking
2. Extension
Answer each statement as True or False from your knowledge after reading the Kids News article.
- Everyone who is stung by a fire ant will experience anaphylaxis? T/F
- A person can have a severe allergic reaction even if previous reactions were mild? T/F
- Fire ant stings can cause painful skin reactions? T/F
- A suspected severe allergic reaction should be treated as a medical emergency? T/F
- Online advice is always reliable if it has been shared many times? T/F
Write your own true or false statement from information from the article.
Time: allow 5 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Science, Personal and Social, Critical and Creative Thinking
VCOP ACTIVITY
To sum it up
After reading the article, use your comprehension skills to summarise in a maximum of three sentences what the article is about.
Think about:
- What is the main topic or idea?
- What is an important or interesting fact?
- Who was involved (people or places)?
Use your VCOP skills to re-read your summary to make sure it is clear, specific and well punctuated.