The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPRID) has urged Fremantle residents and businesses to keep supporting the quarantine and surveillance activities for red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).
The invasive pest was discovered at two adjoining commercial properties in Fremantle port in November 2019.
This led to a Quarantine Action Notice (QAN) being issued for parts of Fremantle in December 2019, prohibiting the movement of material that could harbour the ants without a valid permit.
Executive Director of Biosecurity at DPIRD, Mia Carbon said some residents and businesses in the QAN area appeared to be unaware of continuing restrictions.
“We have received reports that some residents are, understandably, using the time at home during COVID-19 restrictions to undertake major gardening or home renovation projects,” Dr Carbon said.
“These activities pose a risk of spreading undetected fire ants and can breach restrictions, which puts Fremantle and Western Australia as a whole at risk from this nasty pest.”
She said moving host materials such as soil, potted plants, mulch, hay, manure and turf outside the area, as well as using digging and earthmoving equipment, could transfer pest ants.
“In these instances a movement permit issued by DPIRD may be necessary,” Dr Carbon said.
“The DPIRD reminds residents that the QAN issued last year remains in place and is likely to be extended until at least December this year.”
She said residents could still tackle garden and home projects without a permit as long as material was kept on site. Composting was a suitable alternative for green waste.
The second round of fire ant surveillance began on 14 April around the port area and activity was now shifting into residential areas.
