Right now, Australia is undertaking the world’s largest removal of invasive ants. The goal: eradicate fire ants (Solenopsis invicta).
These aggressive South American ants are named for the burning sensation of their sting. They pose risks to many native species – and to human health.
Fire ants have made it to Australia nine times, arriving in cargo ships. Eight times, authorities were able to stamp them out early. But an infestation detected in Brisbane suburb in 2001 has now spread across more than a million hectares of South East Queensland.
