Red Imported Fire Ants in Australia: How to Identify & Control This Invasive Pest
Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) in Australia: Products for Effective RIFA Treatment
Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta) are one of the most destructive invasive species to reach Australia.
First detected in Queensland in 2001, they continue to spread across South-East Queensland and into Northern NSW, posing serious risks to people, pets, livestock, agriculture, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
If you’re concerned about fire ant activity and searching for effective ways to control and treat fire ant nests, this guide explains what they look like, where they may be found, why they’re dangerous, and how to manage them safely using proven control products.
Fire Ant Control Products Available at Globe Pest Solutions
Globe Pest Solutions stocks a comprehensive range of professional-grade products suitable for Red Imported Fire Ant treatment, including baits, granules, liquid drenches, and residual insecticides.
- Advion Fire Ant Bait – highly palatable bait ideal for broad-area and mound treatments
- Amdro Ant Granules – industry-trusted bait for worker and queen elimination
- Synergy Pro Ant Bait – dual active ingredients for complete colony suppression
- Distance Fire Ant – long-lasting IGR fire ant bait used in large-scale RIFA programs
- SAS Pro Fipronil Granule Ant Killer – ideal for direct mound application and broadcast treatment
- PCO Fipronil 100SC Termiticide & Insecticide – powerful non-repellent for drenching nests and perimeter treatment
- Termidor SC Residual Termiticide – premium fipronil formulation known for superior transfer effect
- Antagonist Pro Insecticide – reliable residual treatment for external barriers
- PCO Bifenthrin 100SC – fast-acting pyrethroid for outdoor perimeter application
- Biflex Aqua Max Insecticide & Termiticide – long-lasting protection for soil, lawns, and structures
- Anthem Insecticide Granules – broad-spectrum granules ideal for lawn and garden protection
You Must Report Fire Ant Sightings
Even licensed pest managers must report sightings before or during treatment. Complete the suspect ant report or call 132 ANT (13 22 68) within 24 hours of sighting and provide details, such as:
- Description of the suspect ants
- Location of the nests
- Photos or videos for identification.
What Are Red Imported Fire Ants?
Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) are highly aggressive, coppery-brown ants ranging from 2–6 mm in size. They form large, complex colonies with queens, workers, brood, and reproductive males and females. Their ability to relocate quickly, reproduce rapidly, and overwhelm prey makes them extremely difficult to eradicate once established.
Scientific Name: Solenopsis invicta
How to Identify Red Imported Fire Ants
Red imported fire ants can be identified by their appearance:
- Reddish-brown or coppery brown ants with a darker coloured (often dark brown) abdomen at the rear
- Workers: 2.4–6.0 mm long
- Queens: head width approx. 1.32–1.33 mm
- Eggs: tiny, oval-shaped
- Larvae: around 3 mm
- A single nest may contain ants of varying sizes
When checking and observing ant nests, be careful not to get too close, as red imported fire ants are highly aggressive. They tend to swarm when disturbed and have a painful sting.
What does a Red Imported Fire Ants Nest Look Like?
- Loose, fluffy mounds of dirt
- No visible entry or exit holes
- Small to large dome-shaped nests up to 40cm high
- Often appear overnight after rain or soil disturbance
Common Locations Where Invasive Red Imported Fire Ants May Be Found
- Urban: gardens, lawns, street verges, parks, schools, golf courses, near taps and utility pits
- Rural: dams, fence lines, compost piles, crop stubble, cultivated land edges, organic waste
Why Red Imported Fire Ants Are a Serious Pest
Fire ants cause major harm to humans, animals, crops, and the environment.
Red imported fire ants are known for their aggressive swarming behaviour which can result in multiple painful stings that can cause:
- A severe burning pain when stung
- Swelling and redness
- Itching, small blisters and pustules
- Severe allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis. This is because fire ant venom builds up in the body, so the more you are stung, the greater the risk of a severe reaction.
In addition, red imported fire ants can caused agricultural and environment damage as they can:
- Attack newborn livestock and small animals
- Destroy native insects and ground-nesting bees
- Damage crop roots and reduce yields
- Interfere with farm machinery
- Disturb soil structure
How to Manage & Control Red Imported Fire Ants
Successful RIFA control requires:
- Locating all active mounds
- Using the correct insecticide or baiting products
- Preventing reinfestation
Protect Your Home, Property & Community from Red Imported Fire Ants
Red Imported Fire Ants represent a growing threat across Queensland and Northern NSW. Early identification and rapid treatment are essential to protect families, pets, livestock, and the environment.
Globe Pest Solutions supplies a full range of professional-quality fire ant control products, along with expert advice to help you choose the right solution.
