As parents and grandparents, we often think of our backyards as safe havens where our children and pets can play freely without the dangers of the outside world. However, a chilling reminder from an Australian mum has highlighted a hidden threat that could be lurking in your own garden, posing a serious risk to your loved ones.
Ebony, a Queensland mum from Greenbank in Logan, has sounded the alarm over the deadly garden menace of fire ants after her teenage son, Kaleb, suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction from their stings. The incident has sparked a call for urgent government intervention and greater public awareness of the dangers these invasive insects pose.
Kaleb’s harrowing experience began with a single sting on the foot, which escalated into full anaphylaxis within five minutes—a shocking development given he had no known allergies. ‘Kaleb spent two days in hospital because he couldn’t breathe. His face swelled up completely, and he broke out in hives all over his body,’ Ebony recounted.
Tragically, this wasn’t the family’s first encounter with the peril of fire ants. They had previously lost their dog to the insects’ venomous stings, but Ebony admits she hadn’t fully grasped the severity of the threat until her son’s ordeal. After Kaleb was stung a second time, resulting in an even more severe reaction, Ebony knew something had to be done.
She reached out to Queensland’s Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to report the infestation on her 12-acre property. While the department confirmed the presence of fire ants and attempted treatment, Ebony felt their efforts were insufficient, especially as she was grappling with a breast cancer diagnosis and unable to manage the situation herself.
The fire ant crisis is not just a personal struggle for Ebony and her family; it’s a growing concern across Queensland and other parts of Australia. Fire ants, particularly red imported fire ants, have infested approximately 830,000 hectares in South East Queensland and have been detected in parts of NSW. Their presence not only threatens human health but also causes environmental and structural damage, as evidenced by the burrowing that compromised Ebony’s driveway.
Despite the severity of the issue, eradication efforts have been met with resistance from some residents who fear the potential risks of the chemicals used in baiting. ‘People against these efforts should visit infested areas and see the damage for themselves,’ Ebony said. ‘A lot of people affected haven’t spoken up out of fear. Within 24 hours of my post, I was already receiving threats from people protesting the eradication efforts.’ However, her viral social media post, which showcased the severe injuries Kaleb sustained, has reignited the conversation and prompted the DPI to revisit her property.
The National Fire Ant Eradication Program, the government initiative responsible for eliminating these pests, has been criticised for its inefficiency, with calls for an independent body to take over following the 2024 Senate inquiry into the spread of fire ants in Australia. In response to the growing concern, the NSW government has even paused hay imports from flood-affected areas of Queensland to prevent further spread, as fire ants have been seen floating in floodwaters.
Fire ants are a growing concern for many Australians, and their impact on health, pets, and property continues to spark discussions on the best ways to manage and eradicate them. As efforts to control their spread evolve, public awareness and shared experiences can play a vital role in addressing this issue.
Have you encountered fire ants in your area? What steps have you taken to protect your family and property? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.
Also read: Gardener successfully eradicates destructive lawn pest—see how!
