Fire ant eradication attempts may be helping the invaders, study finds
Sydney Morning Herald
by Julius DennisFebruary 25, 2026
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Efforts to eradicate invasive fire ants in Australia may be inadvertently helping their spread, according to a new study that raises serious doubts about the effectiveness of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP). The program relies heavily on large-scale pesticides called insect growth regulators (IGRs), which are applied over vast areas via helicopters or drones. However, Professor Nigel Andrew of Southern Cross University argues that this approach is not only costly but also disrupts local ecosystems by killing off fire ants’ natural predators and competitors, such as beetles, thereby creating an environment where the invasive species can thrive.
The study highlights how IGRs, when used on a massive scale, clear the ecological landscape for fire ants by eliminating their competition. This strategy, which has worked in smaller, localized infestations like the 2001 Port of Brisbane outbreak, becomes problematic at larger scales. Fire ants, known for their painful stings and ability to damage crops and wildlife, have now spread from Tweed Heads to the Sunshine Coast and as far inland as Toowoomba. The program’s tactics, which involve blanketing entire regions with pesticides, may inadvertently make it easier for fire ants to establish new colonies.
Critics of the study, such as Reece Pianta of the Invasive Species Council, argue that the program has tools unavailable during previous eradication attempts in the U.S., where efforts ultimately failed. However, Andrew warns that continuing with the current approach risks billions of dollars while failing to address the root issue: the ecological balance needed to combat invasive species effectively. He emphasizes the need for adaptive, biodiversity-friendly management strategies that respect local ecosystems.
The debate over fire ant eradication underscores broader concerns about the impact of large-scale pesticide use on non-target species and the long-term sustainability of environmental management efforts. As governments worldwide grapple with invasive species, this study highlights the importance of considering ecological complexities and avoiding solutions that inadvertently aid the very problem they aim to solve.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026