PHA launches new Red Imported Fire Ant quick guide

Plant Health Australia (PHA) has released a practical Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) quick guide for commercial plant industries, giving growers, agronomists and contractors clear, actionable steps to prepare, identify, manage and report suspected fire ant activity.

Developed by PHA for its Members and Peak Industry Bodies (PIBs), the guide brings together the latest technical information from the National Fire Ant Eradication Program, along with international research and Australian field experience. It is designed to help industries apply immediate risk-reduction practices and plan for potential incursions into production regions.

PHA CEO Sarah Corcoran stressed that all agricultural industries are connected, and the spread of RIFA has far-reaching consequences – even sectors not directly affected could experience disruptions across supply chains, markets and communities.

“As fire ants move with people and materials, the quickest wins come when industries understand the risk pathways, recognise the signs and act without delay,” she said.

“This guide gives our Members and stakeholders the practical tools to do exactly that.”

Evolving risk

The risk of RIFA spread remains active and evolving, particularly as colonies’ activity and soil movement increases into the warmer, wetter months. During periods of heavy rain or flooding, fire ants can form floating rafts that allow entire colonies to drift and establish in new areas.

The National Fire Ant Eradication Program continues to manage detections across South-East and Central Queensland, and isolated areas in north-east New South Wales, with biosecurity maps adjusted regularly as new areas are affected. These maps are used to help raise awareness in containing and controlling the pest by restricting the movement of high-risk materials such as soil, plants, mulch and machinery. They are reviewed and updated frequently to reflect new detections, treatment progress and changing seasonal conditions, reinforcing the importance of maintaining real-time awareness, correct management of high-risk materials and clear communication across supply chains.

About the guide

The RIFA Quick Guide provides:

• risk pathways and zones: how to check current interstate controls and interpret local risk;
• carrier materials: soil, mulch, turf, potted plants, hay, nursery stock and machinery;
• detection and identification: what nests look like, where to search and how to photograph for confirmation;
• use of thresholds and treatment options: when to bait, when to direct-treat, and what permits apply;
• reporting: state-specific channels and the Fire Ant Hotline 132 ANT (13 22 68).

Do your bit

Australia’s biosecurity works best when everyone plays a part. Download the RIFA Quick Guide, share it with your networks, and integrate the key actions into your farm biosecurity plans.