Fire Ants in NSW: What Sydney Residents Need to Know & How to Report
Date: August 22, 2025
Fire ants are one of the most aggressive invasive pests in New South Wales (NSW). If you live in Sydney or surrounding areas, understanding how to identify, report, and prevent fire ant infestations is essential for protecting your home, garden, and workplace.
What Are Fire Ants?
Fire ants are small, reddish-brown insects measuring 2–6mm, with darker brown to black abdomens. Known for their painful stings and aggressive swarming behavior, these ants can cause significant health risks to humans, pets, and wildlife, and damage property if not addressed promptly.
How to Identify Fire Ants
Recognizing fire ants early is key to stopping their spread. Look for the following signs:
Appearance
Dark reddish-brown body with a darker abdomen
Size between 2–6mm
Nests
Flattish mounds of bare soil or mound-shaped structures up to 40cm high
No visible entrance holes
Crumbly soil with a honeycomb-like interior
Behavior
Highly aggressive
Swarm and sting in large numbers when disturbed
What to Do If You Spot Fire Ants
If you suspect fire ants on your property, it’s important to act safely and responsibly:
Do not attempt to control them yourself – Spraying or disturbing the nest can spread the colony.
Take photos or video – Capture the ants and nest for accurate identification.
Report immediately – Contact the NSW Biosecurity Helpline at 1800 680 244 or submit an online report via the NSW DPI website within 24 hours.
Provide details – Include the nest location, ant description, and behavior.
Our licensed pest control technicians in Sydney can also provide professional identification and risk advice, helping you stay safe while authorities handle eradication.
If You Live in a Fire Ant Affected Area
Residents in zones where fire ants have been detected should:
Learn to identify fire ants and nests – Knowledge is your first defense.
Inspect your property – Check gardens, lawns, and imported materials like soil, mulch, or potted plants.
Cooperate with authorities – Allow access for eradication teams to prevent the ants from spreading.
Preventing the Spread of Fire Ants
Fire ants can travel via soil, turf, mulch, hay, and potted plants. To minimize the risk:
Follow movement restrictions – Abide by biosecurity zone rules to avoid spreading ants within or outside NSW.
Be cautious with imported goods – Check any soil, plants, or materials before bringing them onto your property.
A professional pest control service can help inspect high-risk areas and implement preventative measures to protect your home or business.
Why Professional Pest Control Matters
Fire ants are not only difficult to control but are also a regulated pest in NSW, meaning improper handling can worsen the infestation. Our residential and commercial pest control services in Sydney provide:
Expert identification and risk assessment
Safe treatment and eradication
Guidance on prevention and compliance with NSW biosecurity laws
Take proactive steps today – book a free quote or learn more about our residential pest control and commercial pest control services to keep your property safe from fire ants.