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Click here to go back Details of this species in Queensland Status: Alien Invasiveness: Invasive Occurrence: Present/controlled Source: The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) 2006. Arrival Date: May 2006 Introduction: Species Notes for this Location: Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) confirmed the presence of the little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata), in Smithfield, a northern Cairns suburb in north Queensland, in May 2006. The infestation was observed in bedding sand under paving stones around a domestic pool, and under pot plants in the same area. The extent of the infestation in Smithfield has been confirmed at 108 properties, the area has been declared a Restricted Area and movement controls have been put in place until further notice to prevent the spread of the ants. The treatment area covers 61.167 hectares. A number of properties are within a forested area, which runs west to the Kuranda National Park. DPI&F observes that this proximity to the National Park makes containment and control even more important. In February 2007 Electric ants were also discovered at Kewarra Beach, a northern suburb of Cairns, Qld. This infestation has been confirmed at 8 residential properties. More details on this pest incursion are available at The Electric Ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) in Queensland. Management Notes for this Location: Now fully managed by Biosecurity Qld (DPI&F), the electric ant program comprises three chief activities: surveillance, treatment and containment, with community and businesses playing a pivotal role. W. auropunctata is one of the six tramp ant species identified in the Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage's recent publication Threat Abatement Plan for Reduction in Impacts of Tramp Ants on Biodiversity in Australia and its Territories. Location Notes: Impacts: Human nuisance: Several residents in the infested area were stung by ants whilst swimming in their swimming pools. Dogs and cats have been stung by the ants. People working in their gardens have also been stung by the ants. Last Modified: 29/09/2006 2:46:19 p.m.