AUSTRALIA has been battling the threat of fire ants for years, with the government having to spend millions of dollars to eradicate them.
The invasive species once again reminded Australians that the threat is still far from over after authorities discovered about 110 fire ant nests at an army air base west of Toowoomba in Queensland.
Experts warned that four states are at risk of significant outbreaks if the ants make it into the river system.
DNA testing by the National Fire Ant Eradication Program is now underway to find the source of the ants and contain the outbreak.
A senate committee said the fire ants could cost the economy $2 billion a year and decrease agricultural output by up to 40% if not kept under control.
The Red imported fire ant which is native to South America is one of the worst invasive species to reach Australia.
Fire ants pose a significant economic threat to Australians including agriculture as these invasive and venomous pests affect day-to-day lives, feed on local wildlife, and destroy plants.
