The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has launched a four-week campaign to help eradicate electric ants from the Kuranda area.
Principal Project Officer on the Department’s National Electric Ant Eradication Program, Gary Morton said the campaign aimed to educate people about reducing the risk of bringing electric ants onto their property.
“High-risk activities such as swapping pot plants or cuttings contribute to the spreading of electric ants and the creation of new infestations,” Mr Morton said.
“People often unwittingly spread electric ants so it’s important to know about simple ways they can reduce the risks through quarantining and checking plants they receive or intend to swap.”
He said the campaign, which will run from 26 September to 24 October, will begin with National Electric Ant Eradication Program staff on hand at Kuranda Envirocare on Saturday (26 September) to talk to residents.
“Residents can learn more about the threat of electric ants and how to identify them, pick up a free self-survey kit, register for a free yard check, and learn more about the ways to quarantine and check pot plants to reduce the risk of spreading electric ants,” Mr Morton said.
“Residents can also get information from stalls at the Kuranda Foodworks on 1 October and at the Koah Markets on 3 October.”
He said the Kuranda region was high-risk, with one in five of all electric ant infestations found in the Kuranda, Myola, Speewah and Koah areas.
“Electric ants are a significant environmental, health and agricultural pest so it is in everyone’s interest to lend a hand to eradicate them,” Mr Morton said.
Kuranda residents can become involved by accessing the National Electric Ant Eradication Program at this PS News link.
