Red imported fire ant (RIFA) is an invasive pest. It impacts on the environment, agriculture, public infrastructure, human health and social enjoyment.
It has a painful sting that can cause severe allergy and death.
RIFA was first found in Brisbane in 2001.
National RIFA eradication program
The National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program has made progress in eradicating fire ants from Australia. The program provides ongoing:
- surveillance
- treatment where the ants have been detected.
Importing RIFA host material into South Australia
RIFA host material imported from Queensland must be certified to enter South Australia. RIFA host material incudes:
- hay and straw
- horticultural machinery
- organic mulch
- plants in containers
- potting media
- soil
- turf
- used containers
See Condition 2 of the South Australian Plant Quarantine Standard (PQS).
Report suspected cases
Call the Emergency Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 to report suspected cases of red imported fire ant immediately.
Red imported fire ant is a notifiable pest under the Plant Health Act 2009.