Latest advice
Fire ants have been detected at Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre (the Intermodal Centre), NSW.
Initial treatment and surveillance on site has been undertaken, however there is some risk that ants are established beyond the Intermodal Centre.
A Response Plan is in place for the Enfield area. Under the first phase of the plan, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) will be working closely with local businesses and the local community to build awareness and understand what measures need to be taken to identify, contain and eradicate the incursion.
A mobile community drop-in centre has been established at Strathfield Park, Strathfield, to help businesses and residents understand Biosecurity Control Orders which come into effect on 26 October 2026.
A biosecurity control order sets requirements to help prevent the spread of fire ants, including requirements for moving certain high-risk materials such as soil, turf, mulch and potted plants safely.
Read the Control Order and Plain English Guide (PDF 814.88KB) for more information.
Additional information can be found below.
If you suspect the presence of fire ants:
- Leave it: Do not destroy or treat the nest. Fire ants are prohibited matter in NSW, and it is an offence to treat, move or possess them. Avoid disturbing fire ants to prevent injury and further spread.
- Snap it: Safely take a clear photo or video for identification.
- Call it: Call us immediately on the NSW Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244 or use the online form.
Pesticide use notice
The NSW DPIRD advises that the following emergency pesticide use is proposed for a prescribed public place.
- Insecticides Engage Ant Bait (5g/kg s-methoprene) and/or Distance or Distance Plus Ant Bait (5g/kg pyriproxyfen) will be used for the control of red imported fire ants by ground-based application.
Treatment will occur between 19 October 2026 and 30 November 2026, weather permitting, to publicly accessible areas in the 2km radius around the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre. Areas undergoing treatment will be signposted where practicable. No re-entry restrictions apply.
Contracted pest controllers are applying the treatment on behalf of NSW DPIRD.
For further information regarding this notice, contact NSW DPIRD on 1800 680 244.
Information for industry
The department is engaging with high risk and affected industries to raise awareness and communicate requirements prior to the implementation of a Control Order.
Community information
The department is engaging with the community to raise awareness and communicate requirements prior to the implementation of a Control Order.
A community drop-in centre is at Strathfield Park this week until Friday 30 October.
Check here for updates.
Links
Fire ant stings and your health
Call 000 if someone has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
Fire ant stings are rarely life-threatening. However, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur. People with a history of severe allergic reactions to insect stings may be at increased risk
Call 000 if you or someone around you develops symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, wheezing or a persistent cough, difficulty talking or a hoarse voice, dizziness or collapse, or abdominal pain or vomiting.
If you’re stung
Allergic reactions:
- call 000 if you develop symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- seek medical advice if you develop other signs of an allergic reaction, such as widespread hives or welts.
Routine management:
- apply a cold compress or ice to the stings to relieve swelling and pain
- leave any small blisters intact and gently wash the area with soap and water.
See advice for Health Practitioners.
Keep pets safe
Pets that spend time outdoors are at risk, especially animals that dig. Fire ants often swarm around the nose, mouth and ears. Stings can cause serious swelling and may stop an animal from eating, drinking or breathing.
Keep pets away from suspected nests. If your pet is stung, move it away safely and contact a veterinarian promptly. Get urgent veterinary help if your pet has facial swelling or trouble breathing.
About fire ants
Red imported fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species. They are dark reddish-brown with a darker brown-black abdomen. Nests can appear as flattish patches to mounds of soil up to 40cm high, with no obvious/visible entry or exit hole.
These ants can have significant impacts on our health, lifestyle, environment, industries, and economy.
Fire ants are aggressive and swarm in large numbers with a burning sting that can lead to anaphylactic allergic reactions.
NSW response
NSW DPIRD has activated its fire ant response plan and initial treatment of the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre has been completed.
Under RIFA Response Plan, the initial phase of the plan NSW DPIRD will be working closely with local businesses and the local community to build awareness and understand what measures need to be taken to identify, contain and eradicate the incursion.
A mobile community drop-in centre has been established at Strathfield Park, Strathfield, to help businesses and residents understand Biosecurity Control Orders which come into effect on 26 October 2026
NSW DPIRD is deploying a number of measures including surveillance, detection and (where necessary) treatment within 2 kilometres of the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre, including increasing surveillance and implementing treatment measures (if necessary).
Businesses and residents in the area are reminded to remain vigilant and call NSW DPIRD on 1800 680 244 if they come into contact with suspect ants.
For the latest information, see the Latest advice at the top of this page.
Frequently asked questions
Enfield control order
A biosecurity control order sets requirements to help prevent the spread of fire ants. The biosecurity control order will apply to the movement of certain materials that can carry fire ants, such as soil, turf, mulch and potted plants.
The control order will cover an area within a 2 km radius of the fire ant detection at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre.
See an image of the map of the control zone (PDF 22.29MB).
Businesses and residents in the area are reminded to remain vigilant and call the department on 1800 680 244 if they come into contact with suspect ants.
See the Enfield control order for the full requirements.
No. The control order will not restrict people from entering or leaving the area, going to work or school, or carrying out normal daily activities.
Requirements will apply when certain materials that can carry fire ants are moved out of or through the control zone.
There are currently no plans to introduce vehicle checkpoints or spot checks.
Schools will remain open. Any school that needs surveillance or treatment will be contacted. If fire ants are found on school grounds, safety measures will be put in place while the area is treated.
Materials that can carry fire ants include soil, turf, mulch, hay products, potted plants and some heavy machinery and equipment.
The requirements can apply to anyone moving these materials, not just businesses. Different requirements may apply depending on the material and how it is being moved.
You can continue to buy and use mulch, soil and plants. However, requirements may apply if you move them out of or through the control zone.
Yes, but requirements may apply before you move potted plants out of the control zone.
This may include checking for ants or treating the plants or keeping them in conditions that reduce the risk of fire ants, such as keeping material inside an enclosed building, on ground treated with pesticide bifenthrin, covered or kept off the ground.
See the Enfield control order for the full requirements.
If your business moves materials that can carry fire ants out of or through the control zone, you may need to change how you handle or treat those materials.
The department will work with affected businesses to help them understand and meet the requirements.
Yes, but materials may need to be treated, cleaned or stored under specific conditions before leaving the control zone.
Unused turf stored in the zone must also meet the requirements before it can be moved out.
See the Enfield control order for the full requirements.
Councils will continue to collect and dispose of household waste. Red-bin waste is not considered a fire ant carrier material.
Existing green waste collection and disposal processes help reduce the risk of spreading fire ants.
Surveillance will be carried out within the control zone to check for fire ants. Treatment will also be carried out in areas where it is required as part of the response.
The department will work with residents and property owners where access is needed to explain what is required. Treatment will be provided at no cost.
Businesses and residents in the area are reminded to remain vigilant and call the department on 1800 680 244 if they come into contact with suspect ants.