Surveillance for electric ants
Help eradicate electric ants from Far North Queensland
Book a free annual yard check or report suspected electric ants using 1 of these methods:
- Report online.
- Phone Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.
- Email electricantinfo@dpi.qld.gov.au.
Don't accidentally spread electric ants—use our interactive map to check the location of the electric ant restricted zone, and the movement controls that apply.
Conducting regular surveillance for electric ants is vital to prevent the spread of this serious pest. Our surveillance field officers use food lures and traps in a three-dimensional approach—looking not just on the ground but also up into trees.
On-ground lures
Footpath and targeted surveillance using on-ground lures are efficient and effective methods of detecting electric ants in residential areas. You may see our field officers carrying out this activity in your suburb.
To attract the ants, field officers use hotdog sausage lures that are attached to pink-taped wooden skewers. They are in place for approximately 1 hour. These lures do not contain chemicals and are safe if a pet accidentally consumes them.
If you see these lures on the street or in public areas, do not disturb them.
Contact Biosecurity Queensland if you have any queries or concerns.
Setting lures for electric ants.
In-ground pitfall traps
In-ground pitfall traps are a highly effective and sensitive method of conducting surveillance, usually to confirm the destruction of an infestation. The pitfall traps contain lures and are left in the ground for generally 1 week.
Example of an in-ground pitfall trap.
If you see these traps set on the street or in public areas, do not disturb them.
Contact Biosecurity Queensland if you have any queries or concerns.
In-tree canopy traps
Canopy traps are an effective method of determining if electric ants have survived within a tree canopy. A lure is placed inside the trap and the trap erected in the tree for generally 1 week.
If you see these set in trees, do not disturb them.
Contact Biosecurity Queensland if you have any queries or concerns.
Odour detection dogs
Odour detection dogs can detect electric ants with great accuracy and are predominantly used to confirm that electric ant infestations have been destroyed once the bait treatment regime is complete.
Example of an in-tree canopy trap.
Electric ant odour detection dog at work.