Tropical fire ant is an exotic species to
Australia whose native range includes southern USA, central America and the
northern region of South America. In mainland Australia, it is reported to be
established only in Darwin.
These ants are very similar in appearance to the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) and have the same habits as RIFA: they sting humans and animals aggressively when their nests are disturbed, their mounded nests disrupt agriculture and they destroy insulation sheathing in electrical equipment.
Two small infestations have been detected in plant nurseries in Western Australia in recent years - one in Perth and the other in Port Hedland. Both have been the subject of eradication programs which appear to have been successful but monitoring is continuing to ensure that eradication has been achieved.
Although tropical fire ants would probably not thrive in Perth due to winter conditions, their establishment would interfere with surveillance of RIFA. Pot plants are one of the most likely means of introducing and spreading tropical fire ants and other exotic tramp ant species.
If you find ants in recently purchased pot plants send specimens to the Department of Agriculture and Food for identification. The identification service is free.
The alert for Red Imported Fire Ants is still on
For free information, reporting and advice call the Pest and Disease Information Service 1800 084 881
Page updated: 12 October 2006