Council tackling invasive pest at Alligator Creek
Date published: 14 March 2022
Townsville City Council will continue its broad-scale Yellow Crazy Ant treatment at Alligator Creek this week in attempt to eradicate the invasive pest from the area.
Council will use a helicopter to spread granular baits around known infestation sites on tomorrow and Wednesday.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said this was the second of three treatments Council would carry out in the area.
“Yellow Crazy Ants are listed as one of the world’s most invasive species and cause significant damage to native birds, animals and plants,” Cr Soars said.
“Council’s treatments in Douglas are showing signs of success and aerial treatments at Alligator Creek will continue until the middle of the year.
“There is a large infestation at Alligator Creek and it is crucial Council responds before the ants cause further environmental damage.
“A contractor will disperse the granular baits from the helicopter over a large part of Alligator Creek, including near some homes.
“The baits are harmless to other animals, like cats and dogs, however Council is urging residents to ensure their pets are secured in case they become frightened by the helicopter.”
Cr Soars said Council also needed help from the community to treat the region’s Yellow Crazy Ant problem successfully.
“We need locals to be our eyes around the region and report any sightings of the ants to Council,” he said.
“The ants can be identified by their yellow-brownish colour, erratic walking style and their ability to spray formic acid that can burn people and pets.
“Residents can also help limit the spread of the pest by ensuring items like green waste is disposed of correctly at Council’s free green waste tipping sites or follow advice from council if you are within a known Yellow Crazy Ant site.”
A third broad-scale aerial treatment of yellow crazy ants at Alligator Creek is planned for June.
Visit our Yellow Crazy Ant web page for more information and details about how to report sightings of them.
