Residents could be hit with an extra $150 bill if an invasive insect spreads into one state, with new research warning that the annual cost to households could top a staggering $120 million.
Modelling from the Australia Institute paints a grim picture of what could be in store for Western Australia if fire ants make their way across the border.
Currently, the invasive pest is contained within Queensland, though small outbreaks have been detected in some states over the years. The research suggests that WA is particularly vulnerable.
The Institute claims almost $30 million alone would be spent on medical costs, $24 million in vet bills and $66.6 million in pest control if the species takes hold.
An estimated 69,000 people could come into contact with fire ants and require medical treatment.
That’s because fire ants can inflict painful stings that cause burning welts, allergic reactions and, in rare cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
A close-up of a fire ant nest seen near Cedar Grove Road southwest of Brisbane.
A close-up of a fire ant nest seen southwest of Brisbane. Source: Invasive Species Council
(Invasive Species Council)
Is WA in a position to fight back?
In 2019, WA successfully combated an outbreak.
This puts it in a unique position to manage a potential spread, having already eradicated them once at Fremantle Port. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) spokesperson said any outbreaks would likely be detected fast, with significant surveillance already in place.
Activity of a swarm of large red ants
Fire ants can inflict painful stings that cause burning welts, allergic reactions and, in rare cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis. Source: Getty
“This includes targeted surveillance at high-risk border entry points such as ports and associated transport networks of incoming freight and strict movement controls for host materials from red invasive fire ant-infested areas,” they told the South Western Times.
“Red imported fire ants were also detected at a premises in Hope Valley in July 2025 in a shipping container imported from south-east Queensland — the colony was successfully eliminated, and the premises are subject to follow-up surveillance as a precaution.”
Fire ants ‘worse’ than other invasive species combined. WA has partnered with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and has committed $32 million over four years to the response in Queensland.
“We know we’ve got huge problems with pigs and deer and feral horses and weeds, you know, fire ants are worse than many of those things combined,” the Council’s Reece Pianta said.
“The difference with fire ants is it’s something that we can deal with and can eradicate.
“We’re in a state now where we have to try and contain short-horned borer, where it’s gone beyond eradication — it is still possible to eradicate fire ants, and that’s why it’s so important that all the Governments of Australia continue to support that effort.”
According to Pianta, the spread of fire ants could result in more than $2 billion in costs for Australia’s agriculture, tourism and nature restoration industries.
#Yahoo
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