The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is to inspect around 600 properties in Fremantle Port after red fire ants were detected in the area.
The Department said it had detected red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) at two adjoining tenanted properties at the ports.
“Western Australia is free from the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA),” DPIRD said.
“If it became established here it could severely damage the local environment, economy and Australia’s outdoor lifestyle,” it said.
“RIFA inflict a painful, fiery sting, which in rare cases can cause an acute allergic reaction.”
DPIRD said treatment and surveillance activities were under way and a quarantine area had been established in the affected vicinity.
“We are about to conduct the next round of surveillance and baiting in and around Fremantle and close to 600 properties have been randomly selected to receive an inspection, at no cost to owners or occupiers, as part of our ongoing surveillance program,” DPIRD said.
“Because of the threat of RIFA, the response program has been deemed an essential service during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Department said it was aware of the potential risks of COVID-19 and had in place a number of specific procedures to ensure safety of the occupiers of properties and its own staff.
