'Start killing them fast': Dangerous critters flood typhoon-stricken homes
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Tropical Cyclone Alfred ravaged thousands of homes in the country during its landfall.
As Aussies deal with the cyclone's aftermath, they now face another unexpected threat, which prompted cries for immediate action from authorities.
Fire ants have been an invasive and aggressive species that plagued the region for years.
These tiny yet formidable pests wreak havoc on local ecosystems.
Now, the fire ants used the floodwaters to expand their territory unexpectedly.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program reported a significant uptick in calls over the past few days, as residents encounter these stinging invaders in their flooded homes.
Greg Locke, a local from Ipswich, experienced the brunt of this invasion firsthand.
His property, which has weathered many floods, now bore a mark of devastation: a dark strip of debris teeming with fire ants.
Within 14 years of living on his property, Locke had already become all too familiar with the sting of these ants.
'Stings like b***** h***, it does. They really get into you,' Locke shared, having been bitten at least 30 times during his clean-up efforts.
The recent flooding introduced a new level of difficulty to post-flood recovery.
Locke and his neighbours found themselves battling both water damage and the painful bites of these invasive pests.
How do fire ants survive amidst torrential rain?
These ants form 'living rafts' by linking together, which could let them float on floodwaters and infest new areas.
Another Ipswich local, Dean Owen, witnessed these rafts firsthand.
'It was just this massive river of ants,' Owen shared.
Fire ant specialist Reece Pianta from the Invasive Species Council warned that this rafting behaviour could allow them to spread beyond their current containment zones.
'The larger a colony is, the more likely it is to survive a rafting event because it's a way they have evolved to survive flooding,' Pianta explained.
This adaptation was more than just a way to survive; it also meant that these ants could thrive and expand their reach.
Properties that were previously treated and cleared of fire ant nests became at risk of re-infestation.
Pianta urged homeowners, especially those affected by the recent cyclone, to check their properties and report any sightings of fire ants to authorities.
Learn more about fire ants through this video from Biosecurity Queensland:
Source: Biosecurity Queensland/YouTube
'Start killing them fast. Get rid of them,' Locke called on the authorities.
'Otherwise, this whole south-east corner, we're going to be screwed.'
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program acknowledged the increased activity and visibility of fire ant nests following the cyclone.
The program encouraged everyone, especially Queensland residents, to continue reporting any fire ant sightings through their hotline, 132 ANT (13 22 68) or through their website.
Have you had any encounters with fire ants or other pests at your home? Share your experiences and pest control tips and tricks in the comments below. Stay safe, stay informed, and let's work together to keep our communities fire ant-free.
As Aussies deal with the cyclone's aftermath, they now face another unexpected threat, which prompted cries for immediate action from authorities.
These tiny yet formidable pests wreak havoc on local ecosystems.
Now, the fire ants used the floodwaters to expand their territory unexpectedly.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program reported a significant uptick in calls over the past few days, as residents encounter these stinging invaders in their flooded homes.
Fire ants have re-infested several homes across Queensland. Image Credit: National Fire Ant Eradication Program
Greg Locke, a local from Ipswich, experienced the brunt of this invasion firsthand.
His property, which has weathered many floods, now bore a mark of devastation: a dark strip of debris teeming with fire ants.
Within 14 years of living on his property, Locke had already become all too familiar with the sting of these ants.
'Stings like b***** h***, it does. They really get into you,' Locke shared, having been bitten at least 30 times during his clean-up efforts.
The recent flooding introduced a new level of difficulty to post-flood recovery.
Locke and his neighbours found themselves battling both water damage and the painful bites of these invasive pests.
How do fire ants survive amidst torrential rain?
These ants form 'living rafts' by linking together, which could let them float on floodwaters and infest new areas.
Another Ipswich local, Dean Owen, witnessed these rafts firsthand.
'It was just this massive river of ants,' Owen shared.
Fire ant specialist Reece Pianta from the Invasive Species Council warned that this rafting behaviour could allow them to spread beyond their current containment zones.
'The larger a colony is, the more likely it is to survive a rafting event because it's a way they have evolved to survive flooding,' Pianta explained.
This adaptation was more than just a way to survive; it also meant that these ants could thrive and expand their reach.
Properties that were previously treated and cleared of fire ant nests became at risk of re-infestation.
Pianta urged homeowners, especially those affected by the recent cyclone, to check their properties and report any sightings of fire ants to authorities.
Learn more about fire ants through this video from Biosecurity Queensland:
Source: Biosecurity Queensland/YouTube
'Start killing them fast. Get rid of them,' Locke called on the authorities.
'Otherwise, this whole south-east corner, we're going to be screwed.'
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program acknowledged the increased activity and visibility of fire ant nests following the cyclone.
The program encouraged everyone, especially Queensland residents, to continue reporting any fire ant sightings through their hotline, 132 ANT (13 22 68) or through their website.
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