Biosecurity Queensland urged Kuranda residents to join an intensive surveillance blitz targeting electric ants last weekend.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said residents had been urged to join the hunt because “put simply, we needed to find every single electric ant for the program to be successful”.
“That is why we asked Kuranda residents to join the ant hunt to help eradicate this highly invasive pest by registering for a free yard check carried out by Biosecurity Queensland field officers,” Mr Furner said.
“They could also use a self-survey kit to check their own yard or they could register as a surveillance volunteer.
Mr Furner said that electric ants were currently only found in North Queensland.
“Worryingly, one in five of all our electric ant infestations have been found in the Kuranda, Myola, Speewah and Koah areas,” he said.
“Electric ants are a significant environmental, health and agricultural pest so it is in everyone’s interest to lend a hand to eradicate them.”
He said residents who didn’t take part in the weekend blitz could still do simple things to reduce the risk of bringing electric ants onto their properties.
“For example, if buying or swapping pot plants or cuttings, get them checked or self-quarantine them and, if you see any suspect ants or are being stung in your garden or pool, contact the program on 13 25 23,” the Minister said.
