Residents have told that they are on a high report for fire ants, because ex-cyclone Alfred may have helped the invasive species 'super plague' spread through Queensland.
Since the arrival in Australia in the nineties, the ants are largely limited to Southeast -Queensland, from the Sunshine Coast, to Tweed Heads and Toowoomba.
During Alfried, however, thousands of fire ants were seen that combine to form fluent formations to survive and were transported on flood water.
The advocacy manager of the Invasive Species Council Reece Pianta told Daily Mail Australia who had led to the fear that the vermin could appear in new areas.
'The [fire ant distribution] Maps exactly on the cyclone zone and some of those areas have high firearm densities, “he said.
'After a disaster event, people move things such as land and mulch around when reconstruction and that can help move fire ants.
'If you see fire ants, you must report them and the government will receive the treatment to destroy those colonies. They usually form a hill. '
Pianta said that fire ants, which are native to South America, have killed people in the United States and can also harm pets if they form 'super colonies'.
Fire ants (photo) have killed people in America and cause problems in Queensland
Thousands of fire ants are spotted with the formation of rafts and travel on tidal water (photo)
It is estimated that the firefighters cost the economy of Australia $ 2 billion a year.
They can damage electric and agricultural equipment, stab people, pets and cattle, damage native plants and animals and damage ecosystems that are irreparable.
If the vermin gets out of hand, they can lower agricultural production with an estimated 40 percent.
“It is now a problem in Southeast -Queensland, but if they get out of hand, it will be a problem for the whole country,” said Mr. Pianta.
'I think of what happens when they get a foothold in a river system such as the Murray-Darling. They would spread quickly, although New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia and at that time we would not be able to eradicate them, and it would affect our agriculture forever and cost $ 2 billion a year to the economy. '
The Invasive Species Council calls on the Queensland government to increase the brigade's suppression.
“We call on Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanians to commit to an urgent fire brigade and long -term financing,” said Mr. Pianta.
'An increase in financing can now save Australia billions in fire costs every year, not to mention the immeasurable costs for our environment, wildlife and lifestyle animals.
It is estimated that the firefighters cost the economy of Australia $ 2 billion a year (hills are depicted)
'Fire ants are dangerous. Do not place yourself, clothing or possessions in direct contact with ants or their nests. '
Queenslander Kirsty McKenna, who saw the fire brigade near her house, said they were essential residents who were given more support to reduce their number.
“I actively check them for my property, but the entire community must participate and support extermination,” she said.
“There are many peat farms and hay activities in my area and when they come in, I am also worried that they will spread to other parts of the country.”
