General News
9 October, 2026
Yard checks are the key to finding electric ants
LANDOWNERS and residents are being asked to register for a free check on their property for electric ants.
The National Electric Ant Eradication Program (NEAEP) says there have been electric ant detections across the Tablelands region and are asking locals to do their bit to help keep their homes, businesses and community safe from the invasive pests.
Electric ants inflict a painful venomous sting, and pose a significant risk to human health, wildlife, pets, agriculture and the environment.
More than 40% of electric ant infestations are found from conducting free yard and property checks. Left unchecked, electric ant infestations can multiply rapidly – the earlier a detection is made, the easier and faster eradication can be completed.
Self-checking is not thorough or effective as electric ants are very hard to find. They are tiny, measuring just 1-1.5mm long.
Electric ants can only be accurately identified under a microscope.
NEAEP field officers are trained to lure, detect and collect suspected electric ants which are taken to the Cairns Diagnostics Laboratory for identification.
Yard checks that find no electric ants are just as important for proof of absence. Yard checks should be repeated at least once every 12 months.
Book a free yard check by going to https://bit.ly/4hiqbyu, emailing electricantinfo@dpi.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
