Invasive ant species detected in Douglas Shire region
BIOSECURITY
Electric ants have been detected in Port Douglas and residents are being urged to attend an information session to help contain the spread of the invasive species.
In recent months, electric ants have been detected at more than a dozen locations in the Port Douglas region.
Electric ants pose a major threat to agricultural industries and are classed as a category one restricted matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
Electric ants live in most materials that touch soil, including plant and inorganic materials and moving these materials poses a serious risk of spreading electric ants.
Measuring 1.5mm in length and golden-brown in colour, electric ants can inflict major harm to humans and blind pets and native animals.
The ants prey on and compete with other insects and can displace large numbers of native animals, ants and other insects as well as inflict painful stings on wild and domestic animals and on humans.
National Electric Ant Eradication Program Coordinator, Gary Morton, said people living in Port Douglas should get on board a blitz to identify and remove the ants during April.
“Please help us identify businesses and properties that accept other people’s green waste so that these sites can be surveyed,” he said.
“It’s very easy to unwittingly spread electric ants simply through the movement of pot plants and green waste.
“Once the current wet weather passes, our ground teams will be baiting the known infested areas using a granular bait, specifically developed for use against electric ants.”
Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said biosecurity is the responsibility of everyone and urges people to be vigilant.
“We need everyone to play a part in getting rid of these exotic pests,” Ms Lui said.
“Biosecurity officers know exactly what to look for so I’m urging locals to take up this opportunity for an inspection.”
An ‘Electric Ant – Q&A Session’ will be held at the Port Douglas Community Hall on Thursday, 4 April, at 7.00pm.
To book a yard check or to get more information call 13 25 23, visit daf.qld.gov.au/anthunt.
If you find Electric ants on your property, visit the Biosecurity Queensland website or call 13 25 23.
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