Townsville residents help in war on yellow crazy ants

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin today appealed for Townsville residents to be vigilant in the ongoing fight to eradicate yellow crazy ants.

Mr Mulherin said: “We’ve had success against yellow crazy ants in Townsville before, now we aim to do it again.

“Back in 2002 there was an infestation of the ants at the Townsville wharf but they were eradicated and that part of the city has been declared free of this pest.

“The latest detection was at Garbutt-Mt St John last June, and investigations by Biosecurity Queensland found the infected area was considerable in size.

“We have drastically reduced the presence of ants on that site but there is still a lot of work to be done.

“It is believed yellow crazy ants originated in West Africa, India, or China. They were first discovered in Queensland at Portsmith near Cairns in 2001.

“They are about five millimetres long, have a distinctive yellow and brown colour and long spidery legs, and tend to move erratically when disturbed – that’s whey they’re called crazy.

“They are a class 1 pest and are rated as one of the world´s 100 worst invasive species. By co-operating rather than competing with other crazy ant nests they are capable of forming huge super-colonies.

“Yellow crazy ants spray formic acid which can cause burning and irritate the skin and eyes of animals and potentially people.

“They can have a significant negative impact on the local environment including affecting native plants and animals, crops and honey bee populations.

“So far, we are pleased to report no further infestations have been found since the latest discovery last year.

“I congratulate the people of Townsville for their efforts so far.

“They’ve really responded to the cause by reporting suspected ants in residences, public parks and recreation areas, with many residents and businesses collecting suspect ant samples.

“While it’s good news no new infestation has been located the fight is not over yet and I’m urging everyone to keep their eyes to the ground.

“We encourage people who see an unusual ant to report where they have seen it, and Biosecurity Queensland officers will follow it up.”

”Residents can make a huge difference in the war against yellow crazy ants“

“The trace-back and trace-forward of materials from infested areas is vital to the Biosecurity Queensland response.

“I was delighted to learn how helpful the town’s local businesses have been in assisting the eradication efforts by providing information about the movement of materials that could harbor crazy ant colonies such as soil, timber and scrap metal,” Mr Mulherin said.

Yellow crazy ant response coordinator Charlotte Greer said the Townsville eradication program was a two-step process of baiting and tracing.

“The nests are treated with a liquid chemical insecticide, whereas likely habitats, such as gardens, retaining walls and lawns are treated with granular bait which includes a fish meal attractant.

“The bait attracts the ant, which then carries it back to the nest and feeds it to the colony. The bait has worked well in industrial areas where there is a lack of live food,” Ms Greer said.

The Townsville yellow crazy ant response is just one of several major emergency response projects undertaken by Biosecurity Queensland, an arm of DPI&F, to protect residents and primary producers from threats from exotic pests and diseases.

Biosecurity Queensland officers are constantly working on efficient responses to current pest incursions while always being on the lookout for evidence of any other exotic, and emerging pests and diseases.

Residents who think they have seen a yellow crazy ant, or would like more information about the pests, can contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.

Media: Mark Symons 32396530