In Australia, fire ants pose a serious risk to homes, pets, and ecosystems. This guide on Fire Ant Control Australia explains how to identify these dangerous pests, what makes them so destructive, and what steps you can take to keep your property safe.

Table of Contents

Key Points

Fire ants are invasive, aggressive, and capable of delivering painful stings
Early detection is essential – nests are often mistaken for harmless soil mounds
Professional treatment is strongly recommended due to their rapid spread
Fire ants are a notifiable pest in Queensland — report sightings to Biosecurity Queensland
Protect your yard by staying vigilant and booking a treatment if fire ants are suspected
Pesties.au are authorised under the National Fire Ant Eradication Program to treat fire ants

A fire ant nest at a Logan property ant treatment fire ant control — One of many large fire ant nests at a recent ant treatment in Logan

What Makes Fire Ants So Dangerous?

Fire ants are more than a nuisance. They’re a declared category 1 restricted pest in Queensland, known for:

Aggressive swarming behaviour when disturbed
Painful stings that can cause allergic reactions
Crop and livestock damage in rural areas
Undermining soil and damaging infrastructure

Their colonies spread quickly and can displace native ants, posing a major threat to biodiversity.

⚠️ Note: If you spot what you suspect to be fire ants, call Biosecurity Queensland immediately on 13 25 23. You can also report sightings online via the official portal.

How to Identify Fire Ants on Your Property

Fire ants can be tricky to spot – their nests don’t have visible holes like regular ant nests.

Look for:

Mounds of loose soil in lawns, garden beds, or near footpaths
Ants with reddish-brown colouring and a darker abdomen
Rapid swarming when the mound is disturbed
Painful stings that create a burning sensation and pustules

Unlike black house ants or sugar ants, fire ants respond aggressively and in numbers when provoked.

Treatment Options for Fire Ants in Australia

Fire ant infestations should never be treated with DIY sprays or baits. Improper treatment can cause the colony to split and relocate, making the infestation worse.

A professional fire ant treatment typically includes:

Baiting: Specialised insect growth regulators that disrupt the ant colony
Barrier treatments: Used to isolate colonies and stop them spreading
Monitoring: Follow-up inspections to ensure eradication
Government coordination: In some zones, treatments are overseen by Biosecurity Queensland

For homeowners outside regulated zones, a licensed pest technician can provide targeted fire ant control to protect your home and yard.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Property

While professionals should handle active nests, here’s how you can reduce your risk:

Inspect your yard regularly – especially in summer and spring
Avoid disturbing soil mounds before an ID has been confirmed
Report sightings immediately
Keep lawns and gardens well maintained
Educate neighbours and local communities to encourage early detection

If you’re in the Gold Coast or South Brisbane, fire ant presence is increasing – especially in areas like Yatala, Coomera, Ormeau, and Logan.

If in doubt, contact Pesties.au and we’ll help confirm the situation and recommend the right treatment.

If you’re dealing with more than just fire ants, our General Pest Control Treatments page has everything you need to know.
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FAQ: Fire Ant Control in Australia

Are fire ants dangerous?

Yes. They sting aggressively and their mounds can damage crops, lawns, and electrical equipment.

What should I do if I see fire ants?

Don’t disturb them. Take a photo, note the location, and report it to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or online.

Can I treat fire ants myself?

No. Fire ants require licensed pest control and often government-managed response. DIY attempts can make it worse.

Do fire ants spread quickly?

Yes. A single queen can produce thousands of ants, and colonies can relocate if disturbed.

How do I prevent fire ants from coming back?

Professional baiting and follow-up inspections are key. Keep your yard tidy and monitor for reappearance.

Are Fire Ant Treatments Safe?

Absolutely. Fire ant treatments used by licensed pest professionals in Australia must be approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). These products go through strict safety and efficacy testing to ensure they’re safe for use around homes, pets, and people when applied correctly. You can learn more about how fire ant treatments are regulated by visiting apvma.gov.au.

Summary: Fire Ant Control Checklist

Check your yard regularly for suspicious soil mounds
Don’t touch or spray suspected fire ant nests
Report all sightings to Biosecurity Queensland
Book a fire ant-authorised Pesties.au technician for safe treatment
Follow up with re-inspections and keep lawns tidy

Ready to Book or Still Have Questions?

Whether you’re dealing with fire ants or just need advice on the best treatment for your property, we’re here to help. Call us, message us, or send us a quick enquiry