Scenic Rim alert after fire ants confirmed at Binna Burra
Fire ants confirmed in Binna Burra after a nest report on 3 March
What’s happening?
Residents and businesses in Binna Burra are being asked to stay alert after fire ants were confirmed in the Scenic Rim region.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program responded after a suspected nest was reported on private property.
Eradication officers inspected the location and identified the ants as likely fire ants during field diagnosis. The nest was destroyed using liquid insecticide during the same visit.
Program scientists later confirmed the identification as fire ants.
Following the confirmation, eradication activities have begun in the surrounding area. These include treatment using an insect growth regulator and detailed surveillance to detect any additional nests.
Authorities say detections outside the program’s containment boundary are taken seriously. Strict procedures are followed to prevent the spread of the invasive pest.
A habitat assessment will also be carried out in nearby areas. The work will support eradication efforts while protecting the environmental, cultural and social values unique to Binna Burra.
Why it matters
Fire ants are one of the world’s most damaging invasive pests and can spread quickly if not controlled.
They pose risks to people, animals, agriculture and ecosystems. Rapid response and community reporting are key to stopping new infestations.
Authorities say early action helps protect Queensland and supports the national eradication effort.
Local impact
Residents in Binna Burra and surrounding areas are encouraged to check their properties and nearby spaces for fire ants and nests.
Authorities are also conducting compliance checks and tracing materials or equipment connected to the site to determine the possible source of the infestation.
Fire ants can spread through soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry materials, turf and potted plants. Equipment exposed to soil can also transport the pest.
Queensland law requires everyone to help prevent the spread of fire ants.
By the numbers
A suspected fire ant nest in Binna Burra was reported to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program on 3 March 2026 by a member of the public.
Eradication officers inspected the site on 4 March 2026, identified the ants during field diagnosis and destroyed the nest using liquid insecticide the same day.
Eradication treatment and surveillance will initially cover an area up to 500 metres from the detection site to check for any undetected fire ants.
Zoom in
The response will include intensive treatment using an insect growth regulator and surveillance across nearby properties.
Officials will also carry out a habitat assessment to ensure the eradication response protects the environmental, cultural and social values of Binna Burra.
Zoom out
Fire ants can spread when people move soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry materials, turf or potted plants.
Equipment exposed to soil can also carry the ants to new locations. Human movement of materials remains the biggest risk to their spread.
Every Queenslander has a general biosecurity obligation to prevent the spread of fire ants.
What to look for next
Residents are encouraged to check their properties and report suspected nests within 24 hours.
Reports can be made online or by calling 132 ANT (13 22 68).
Failing to meet biosecurity obligations can lead to penalties of more than $500,000 or up to three years imprisonment.