Fire ants detected in Sydney
Fire ants have been detected at Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre (the Intermodal Centre), NSW.
Initial treatment and surveillance on site has been undertaken, however there is some risk that ants are established beyond the Intermodal Centre.
A Response Plan is in place for the Enfield area. Under the first phase of the plan, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) will be working closely with local businesses and the local community to build awareness and understand what measures need to be taken to identify, contain and eradicate the incursion.
A community drop-in centre will be established this week to help businesses and residents prepare before a Biosecurity Control Orders comes into effect by the end of October 2026.
Further details on the Order, plain English guide and additional information can be found below.
If you suspect the presence of fire ants:
- Leave it: Do not destroy or treat the nest. Fire ants are prohibited matter in NSW, and it is an offence to treat, move or possess them. Avoid disturbing fire ants to prevent injury and further spread.
- Snap it: Safely take a clear photo or video for identification.
- Call it: Call us immediately on the NSW Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244, or report using the online form or visit the website www.dpird.nsw.gov.au/fire-ants.
To stay up to date, visit www.nsw.gov.au/fireants.
PESTICIDE USE NOTICE
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development advises that the following emergency pesticide use is proposed for a prescribed public place.
Insecticides Engage Ant Bait (5g/kg s-methoprene) and/or Distance or Distance Plus Ant Bait (5g/kg pyriproxyfen) will be used for the control of red imported fire ants by ground-based application.
Treatment will occur between 19/10/26 and the 30/11/2026, weather permitting, to publicly accessible areas in the 2km radius around the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre. Areas undergoing treatment will be signposted where practicable. No re-entry restrictions apply.
Contracted pest controllers are applying the treatment on behalf of NSW DPIRD.
For further information regarding this notice, contact: NSW DPIRD on 1800 680 244
The footprint of the current fire ant infestation, the area in which controls are applied on the movement of known carrier materials, occupies approximately 1,111,800 hectares of SEQ and parts of northern NSW.
Nests found in South Murwillumbah (November 2023), Wardell (January 2024) and Tweed heads (July 2025) were destroyed and treatment is now complete. Surveillance is ongoing in partnership with the National Red Imported Fire Ant Eradication Program.
The movement of fire ant carrier material from fire ant infested areas is prohibited unless certain conditions are met. Conditions are detailed in the Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency order.
The Department has a NSW Fire Ant Strategic Plan 2026-27 (PDF, 317.37 KB) that sets out key actions to prevent fire ants from establishing in NSW.
Fire ants in NSW
South Murwillumbah
Fire ants were detected at South Murwillumbah on 24 November 2023.
Wardell
Fire ants were detected at Wardell on 19 January 2024.
Tweed Heads
On July 2, 2025 fire ants were found at a property in Tweed Heads.
Enfield
On September 23, 2026 fire ants were found at a facility in Enfield, NSW.
