Authorities have renewed their push for locals to join the fight against fire ants.
The eradication program, involving the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Ipswich City Council, have extended their offer of free baits to help contain the spread of the pest.
It comes after 11,503 households over 63 suburbs in Ipswich have taken part in the pilot program.
Initiative Director Mick Jeffrey says with Ipswich being a fire ant hotspot, we need to get this number higher.
“We need to work together to fight against fire ants in Ipswich, which is why we are asking residents to sign up to get free fire ant treatment,” he said.
“If you participated in the previous pilot, we need you to sign up again as it’s important we get updated address details and your consent to send you a fire ant treatment kit.
“Even if you don’t think you have fire ants on your property, you should treat your yard as fire ants can be present even if nests are not visible.”
Ipswich Deputy Mayor Russell Milligan said he would like to see all residents ordering a kit to treat their yards.
“Fire ants are already impacting our way of life here in Ipswich, and we need an all-in community effort to get rid of them,” he said.
“The treatment is safe for humans, pets and wildlife, and both homeowners and tenants can register to receive a free kit in the mail,”Deputy Mayor Milligan said.
Fire ants are copper brown with a darker abdomen and measure just 2–6mm in size.
They inflict a painful, fiery sting, which in rare cases can cause a severe allergic reaction in humans and animals.
Guard your yard against fire ants today by ordering a free fire ant treatment kit online at fireants.org.au/selftreat, or by calling 13 25 23.
For more information about fire ants or to report fire ant nests, go to fireants.org.au.
