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The Wet Tropics Management Authority has announced the first successful eradication of a yellow crazy ant infestation south of Bentley Park.
The 10-hectare infestation of a development site near Wiseman Road West was sparked by the illegal dumping of garden waste. It was discovered by Conservation Volunteers Australia in February 2014.
It took four helicopter baiting treatments by the Authority’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program, as well as the inspection and hand installation of lures at almost 14,000 points across the area before eradication was confirmed earlier this week.
To confirm yellow crazy ants have been eradicated from a site after treatment, four surveys are undertaken at least six months apart. All of these surveys must show there is no yellow crazy ant activity at the site.
The Authority’s executive director, Scott Buchanan, said it was the first successful eradication in what is expected to be a 10-year path to complete eradication of the pest from the Wet Tropics region.
“This is an encouraging early result which comes following repeated treatments, ongoing monitoring as well as passionate support from the local community,” he said.
“It is important to note that this is just the beginning on our journey towards completely eradicating yellow crazy ants from the Wet Tropics.
“Treatments and monitoring activities are ongoing in pockets across the region, and we encourage residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings to prevent any further spread.”
The control of yellow crazy ant infestations in and adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is supported through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection.
Yellow crazy ants are restricted biosecurity matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Suspected yellow crazy ant sightings can be reported by contacting Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
