When the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, was discovered in Brisbane, Australia in February 2001 it was already well established and may have been present for at least 10 years. A nationally funded eradication program has been in operation since then and has successfully eradicated six separate incursions of this pest including the world’s largest ant eradication. The war continues against the main invasion.

The main tools used are multiple rounds of broadcast bait treatment with insect growth regulators and direct nest injection with a contact insecticide where there is risk to public safety. Innovative approaches for surveillance are the use of odour detection dogs, habitat models, sentinel sites, and remote sensing using helicopter-mounted camera pods. Citizen surveillance and genetic analysis of all detections are also valuable tools.

A key lesson is the importance of a coordinated approach for dealing with this pest. Early detection of incursions is critical as is the commitment of sufficient and timely resources for delimitation and treatment. Public support is essential in reporting and preventing accidental spread. Australia has now committed another $A411 million to a 10-year plan to eradicate fire ant. Failure to eradicate could cost the Australian economy more than $A1.6 billion/year.