Deadly red fire ant nest discovered at Sydney logistics hub

A nest of red imported fire ants, one of the world’s most damaging invasive pests, was located at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics centre in Sydney’s inner west and subsequently eradicated. The discovery came after Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry officers found ants in a monitoring lure, suggesting the insects entered Australia via an overseas shipping container. Specialist detection-dog teams conducted a sweep of the facility and reported no further nests.

The NSW government announced a targeted response, including inspections and treatments within a 500-metre zone and broader searches up to two kilometres, and will liaise with businesses dealing in soil, turf, building materials or vegetation. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty emphasized the swift eradication effort, noting past success in removing fire ants from Port Botany in 2014. The Invasive Species Council warned that unchecked spread could cost the Australian economy up to $2 billion annually, urging increased funding for national biosecurity programs.