Executive Director, Biosecurity SA, Will Zacharin, said the recent discovery of the aggressive, stinging ants was a ‘wake up call’ for the mining industry to be vigilant when unpacking any consignments from overseas, or even from Queensland where fire ants are established and under eradication.

“Like their name suggests, fire ants can inflict painful stings that feel much like a burn – in some cases the stings cause allergic reactions and have even been fatal,” he said.

“If fire ants became established in South Australia they’d potentially affect local communities, manual labour on worksites, restrict outdoor social activities and affect industry, including mining activities.

“Apart from the threat of stings to humans, fire ants also can damage equipment by nesting in it; they also can damage electrical and irrigation systems, as well as build mounds that interfere with the operation of harvesting equipment. They ruin soil and damage plants and seedlings.”

Mr Zacharin said Biosecurity SA currently carried out checks for fire ants at all of its quarantine stations. Garden nursery imports were also covered by import registration.

As well, the Nursery & Garden Industry Association of SA carries out checks for fire ants while Biosecurity SA also conducted audits of non-NGISA accredited nurseries.

“The fact that these ants had evaded detection until the boxes were opened at Roma indicates the need for constant vigilance and that’s why we’re urging the assistance of the mining sector to advise their employees to be particularly alert,” he said.