They invaded the United States, transforming backyards into danger zones and costing governments billions to control. Now, imported red ants, red fire ants are on the march here and experts warn much of Australia is at risk. It isn't just Queensland's problem anymore. It's a national test of whether we can stop one of the world's most invasive species.
00:00This is daily life on the fire ant front line in Queensland's scenic rim.
00:07I'm seeing us lose this fight and I have been at least for the last five years.
00:13Kirsty McKenna runs a horse adjustment business and a local fire ant Facebook group, Post Pour In, about stings and outbreaks and a growing frustration with the official response.
00:24I don't want it to get to that point where someone has to die for this to be taken seriously.
00:29John Kelleher is one of those frustrated with inconsistent treatment rules.
00:34That pest population of ants that's there is endemic. They're mating, they're flying onto my land and I'm having to deal with the problem.
00:41Living with fire ants is part of life here at the moment in South East Queensland, but the next stage of the eradication program will determine if it's something that stops here or spreads potentially to the rest of the country.
00:53These super pests stand to inhabit at least 97% of this country and they're projected to cause more damage than cane toads, camels, foxes and feral pigs all combined.
01:05Authorities in the US are urging Australia to learn from their mistakes.
01:10There, fire ants are a permanent plague covering 15 states and millions of hectares.
01:16Some entomologists have referred to this perpetual insecticidal war and management plan against fire ants in the US as the Vietnam of entomology.
01:26Australia's half billion dollar national eradication program is facing big pressure.
01:31Fire ant outbreaks have pushed well into northern New South Wales and this week detections in Mackay and Perth have experts on edge.
01:39Australia sort of like the last one standing still fighting fire ants with a goal of eradication.
01:48We are trying really hard to explain to the community what reality is if we don't eradicate because we are not giving up on eradication.
