Red imported fire ants found during exotic ant surveillance
Red imported fire ants have been found at the Port of Napier during surveillance activity undertaken as part of the MAF’s national invasive ant programme.
Amelia Pascoe, MAF’s Programme Coordinator says the finding of approximately 200 red imported fire ant workers last week immediately triggered a pest eradication response. MAF incursion inspectors have since been carrying out intense surveillance to find any nest/s and treat.
The ants were found in attractant bait traps which had been set in high risk areas including warm sunny sites close to water sources such as open drains and creeks, dripping taps, leaky water mains, grassy areas, the base of trees, under debris, logs, rocks and other areas favourable for ant colonisation.
Surveillance of these areas in the Napier region had been underway for about a fortnight prior to the find. Although it is not clear how the ants have entered the country, sea containers are a known risk pathway for the entry of unwanted pests. Since 1 January 2004 six-sided inspection of all sea containers has been in place with further checks at MAF approved transitional facilities during unloading. Additional checks have been put in place since the red imported fire ant find.
Amelia Pascoe says red imported fire ants are a serious unwanted pest that if established in New Zealand, would pose a serious competitive threat to our native fauna.
They will also aggressively defend their nest, but their stings, although uncomfortable, are not dangerous to most people. The Ministry of Health does, however, advise people who show symptoms of a fire ant sting to seek medical advice – urgently if they are having an allergic reaction.
Meanwhile, Tauranga residents are being asked to look out for any unusual ant activity as MAF begins intensive surveillance there for exotic ants.
If you think you have found any exotic ants, please call 0800 809 966.
For more information, go to www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pest-and-disease-response/pests-and-diseases-overview
Contact for Enquiries
Editor - Primary Source
Corporate Communications
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: +64 4 894 0100
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
Contact this person
