School holiday DIY-ers are being asked to be on the lookout for yellow creepy crawlies in and around their yards in any mulch, soil or construction materials as Townsville City Council's Yellow Crazy Ant team conduct information sessions at Bunnings this week.
The team will be holding an information stall at Bunnings Domain Central on April 9 and 12, with a Council spokesperson saying it was important the Townsville community were educated about the threat of Yellow Crazy Ants.
"They may be small, approximately 4mm in size, however Yellow Crazy Ants pose a significant threat to our community, environment and lifestyle," they said.
"Managing this invasive pest is a priority for Townsville City Council, which is why we're calling on our community, made up of tradies, DIY-ers and mums, dads and kids to understand the importance of reporting any suspected Yellow Crazy Ants by calling Council on 13 48 10."
There are currently ten known Yellow Crazy Ant infestations in the Townsville LGA, in Alligator Creek, Annandale, Black River, Brookhill, Douglas, Julago, Mount Saint John, Nome, Oak Valley and Stuart.
Yellow Crazy Ants are half the size of a green ant, 4mm in size and can be identified by their yellow to brownish abdomen, long legs and antennae, as well as their erratic or crazy walking style.
The spokesperson said while Yellow Crazy Ants could spread naturally, human-assisted spreading is far more prevalent in the community.
"As a community we can help stop the spread of Yellow Crazy Ants by being aware of what they look like, reporting any infestations and making sure people don't unintentionally spread any contaminated products, soils or mulches," they said.
Council's Yellow Crazy Ants team will be engaging with the community at Bunnings Domain Central from 9am – 3pm on 9 and 12 April 2024.
