Media Release provided by National Fire Ant Eradication Program
- Treatment is the only proven way to eradicate fire ants once and for all.
- The National Fire Ant Eradication Program must access 100% of targeted properties to ensure eradication success in Wardell, New South Wales.
- Wardell residents are asked to provide treatment consent so fire ant teams can complete critical eradication work.
Residents in Wardell, New South Wales, are encouraged to let fire ant teams onto their properties to deliver critical eradication treatment – treatment has already started in certain areas.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program (the program) must treat 100% of all targeted properties, regardless of whether fire ants are visible or not, to ensure eradication success.
Eradication treatment will be conducted on nearly 900 sites within 2 km of the detection site, further protecting the area and ensuring no undetected fire ants exist.
The program will deliver fire ant treatment using aircraft, utility terrain vehicles, and ground teams with handheld spreaders. Aerial treatment proves to be one of the quickest and most cost-effective methods, enabling fire ant teams to treat large areas efficiently.
Fire ant treatment is safe for people, animals, and the environment and is approved by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority. The treatment contains the same active ingredient commonly found in household and agricultural pest control products, but at a much lower concentration.
Eradication efforts will continue for years to come. Residents can expect fire ant teams to treat their properties multiple times over several years, followed by extensive surveillance.
How you can help
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program requires the consent of landowners to access properties in New South Wales.
If you are within the target area and have not already provided consent, it is important to do so as soon as possible.
The property information form enables landowners to advise of access restrictions, such as locked gates, animals, and waterways.
To provide treatment consent, please complete the property information form at: fireants.org.au/property-form
Visit fireants.org.au
