A CAIRNS district cane farmer will burn off one of his fields to help Biosecurity Queensland eradicate electric ants.
The burn at Smithfield about 15km north of Cairns is planned on September 26 to 30 depending on weather conditions.
National Electric Ant Eradication Program coordinator Gary Morton said they had found electric ants in the Smithfield cane field but couldn’t enter the standing cane safely to treat the ants.
“This burn will allow us to safely access the land to treat the electric ants before they are able to spread further,” Mr Morton said.
“Burning the field will ensure that the cane is cleanly harvested and no electric ants will be spread in cane bins as they are transported off the property.
“The fire will also leave no trash cover on the ground ensuring that our bait treatment will reach the ground and be taken away by the ants.
“If we can’t treat this area safely and completely then it would jeopardise our chances of eradicating electric ants from Far North Queensland.”
CLICK HERE for more information on electric ants.
Mr Morton said the the burn was a great example of the partnership between a landholder, a farmer, local council, the Rural Fire Service and Biosecurity Queensland working together to eradicate electric ants.
Electric ants are tiny golden brown ants about 1.5mm long and can inflict a painful sting resulting in itchy and persistent pimples.
Electric ants are a serious invasive species that has the potential to ruin our Queensland way of life, affect our health and have serious environmental impacts.
For more information on the electric ant eradication program or to report electric ants, visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
