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Yellow crazy ants (first detected in Cairns in 2001 and Kuranda in 2013) are one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.
WTMA’s Yellow Crazy Ant Eradication Program was established in 2013 to eradicate yellow crazy ants from within and adjacent to the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. It has grown into a world-leading example of what strong leadership, community partnerships and science-driven management can achieve. Active participation and support from the community, stakeholders, industry and landholders have been critical to its success. Achievements are published each year: see the 2023–24 report card.
WTMA’s Eradication Program is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments.
Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) pose a significant threat to the environment, native wildlife, agriculture, industry and people’s lifestyles. The ongoing cost of eradication is small when compared to the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts on the region.
Environment
Yellow crazy ants can permanently alter or devastate entire ecosystems by disrupting food chains and reducing biodiversity.
They are opportunistic feeders and are attracted to both protein and sugars. They prey on native wildlife, including small reptiles, frogs, nesting birds, and insects and other invertebrates.
When yellow crazy ants are in high abundance, they reduce overall species diversity and numbers. They out-compete or kill native ant species while larger species such as mammals and birds are pushed out of their habitat, unable to cope with the high numbers of acid-spraying ants.
Agriculture
Yellow crazy ants can reduce yields in sugarcane and other crops, adversely affecting farmers’ revenues.
In dense infestations, yellow crazy ants encourage the growth of scale insects, which are a sugar source for the ants. High numbers of scale insects can reduce crop yields and also lead to outbreaks of sooty mould.
Lifestyle
Yellow crazy ants can significantly affect the quality of life of residents living with the ants in and around their homes.
The ants spray formic acid at any potential threat, including humans and household pets. In heavy infestations the ants may occupy electrical boxes and other equipment, with the potential to cause short circuits and other damage.
-wtma-5.jpg "Yellow Crazy Ant (YCA) farming aphids and scale insects
Photographer: WTMA")
Images: Yellow crazy ants can infest electrical equipment, cause harm to crops, and prey on native wildlife.
The most common way yellow crazy ants are spread is through human-assisted movement: they can hitch rides in soil, mulch, vegetation and green waste, machinery and construction materials, pot plants and even outdoor furniture.
If you live or work in areas with detected infestations (such as Kuranda, Edmonton, Gordonvale, Goldsborough and Little Mulgrave), avoid moving materials like soil, mulch or vegetation that could carry yellow crazy ants. Contact WTMA’s Eradication Program for a free check before transporting any materials: call (07) 4241 0525 or email YCA@wtma.qld.gov.au.
