Title: Professor and farmer unite for hot water fire ant fix

[Ipswich Tribune 17 July by Rob Mellett] -- A leading Australian entomologist has broken ranks with conventional fire ant control orthodoxy, joining forces with a Queensland smallholder to trial a chemical-free method that may offer new hope in the fight against the invasive species. Professor Nigel Andrew, an insect ecologist at Southern Cross University, is working with Adare man Trevor Hold to assess whether a hot water treatment system – adapted from a method pioneered in the United States – could serve as a viable alternative to chemical baiting in South East Queensland.

The patented system, developed by fire ant expert Dr Joshua King at the University of Central Florida, delivers water heated to 90°C directly into fire ant nests, targeting queens and larvae without the need for pesticides.Mr Hold, licensed through the university’s Office of Technology Transfer, is now conducting field trials across high-risk zones including Stockleigh and Jimboomba.

“Science has demonstrated time and again that integrated approaches to pest management deliver better results,” Mr Hold said.

“A chemical-only strategy risks community resistance, collateral damage to native species, and long-term ineffectiveness.”

Since their discovery near Brisbane in 2001, fire ants have spread relentlessly across South East Queensland despite a national eradication effort that has cost more than A$1.28 billion. Queensland alone has contributed A$61 million in recent years, but the ants continue to advance at an average of six kilometres per year.

The current program relies heavily on chemical baits laced with insect growth regulators and neurotoxins such as fipronil – a substance banned in 49 countries due to its ecological impacts. Professor Andrew said it was time to reconsider that approach.

“Any poison has an ecological cost,” he said. “These aren’t fire-ant-specific toxins – they harm whatever organisms forage on the bait. I understand the urgency of stopping fire ants, but I also understand why some farmers don’t want chemicals on their land.”

Professor Andrew, who has joined Mr Hold in evaluating the system’s effectiveness in the field, said early results were promising.

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Article: WeedsNews7094 (permalink)
Categories: :WeedsNews:red fire ants, :WeedsNews:ants, :WeedsNews:biosecurity, :WeedsNews:insecticides, :WeedsNews:non-chemical control, :WeedsNews:steam, :WeedsNews:hot water
Date: 18 July 2025; 4:06:35 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time

Author Name: David Low
Author ID: adminDavid