Digging, moving or receiving soil? If you’re working in a fire ant biosecurity zone, you need to know the risks – because fire ants can shut your worksite down.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program has teamed up with Before You Dig Australia to help businesses and residents avoid spreading fire ants and stay compliant with biosecurity laws.
Fire ants are one of the world’s most invasive pests, capable of infesting 97% of Australia if left unchecked and untreated. They cause massive damage – worse than foxes, camels, rabbits, feral cats, wild dogs, and cane toads combined.
The good news? You can help stop them in their tracks. Follow these six simple steps to protect your worksite, avoid delays, and keep your project moving:
1. Check your biosecurity obligations
Everyone has a general biosecurity obligation to manage biosecurity risks and threats. This means:
- treating any fire ant nest you find (depending on your location)
- reporting sightings within 24 hours
- following fire ant-safe practices when moving materials that can carry fire ants.
Failing to comply could mean fines of up to 750 penalty units or six months in prison, as outlined in our compliance and enforcement strategy.
2. Inspect before you dig
Before starting any excavation work, using shovel or machine, check the area for fire ants and nests – especially in high-risk areas like disturbed soil. If you spot suspect fire ants or nests, report it immediately online or by calling 132 ANT (13 22 68).
3. Get free fire ant training
Knowledge is power. The NFAEP offers free, online fire ant training for businesses, tradies, and residential property owners. Learn how to spot fire ants, report and treat them, and stay compliant – saving you time, money, and headaches.
4. Treat fire ants fast
If you’re in the suppression treatment area, you can self-treat or hire a pest manager. If you’re in the eradication treatment area, the NFAEP must handle treatment. No matter where you are, you must report any fire ant sightings. Before leaving the worksite, check your equipment and materials to ensure you’re not accidentally taking fire ants with you.
5. Move materials the right way
If you’re handling soil, baled materials, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf, and potted plants from a fire ant biosecurity zone, you must comply with the Biosecurity Regulation 2016. Use the Material movement advice tool to avoid fines and delays.
6. Plan ahead
Nobody wants a shutdown or penalty. Plan for fire ant risks early in your project to stay on schedule and ensure compliance.
Fire ants don’t just threaten your project – they threaten Australia’s way of life. Help stop their spread and keep your worksite moving by following these key steps.
Visit fireants.org.au or call 13 22 68 for more information.