Efforts to eradicate an outbreak of electric ants in far north Queensland have been set back by the discovery the pest had spread to the tourism hub of Port Douglas.
Biosecurity Queensland on Thursday confirmed a second infestation of the pest species in Craiglie, on the outskirts of Port Douglas, as well as a larger one at Freshwater, on Cairns' north.
Authorities have been trying to eradicate the species since an outbreak was first discovered at Smithfield, north of Cairns, in 2006.
However, infestations have been found in several nearby suburbs since then.
"It is disappointing that electric ants have moved closer to the Port Douglas area and so far outside of the established restricted zone," Biosecurity Queensland electric ant program coordinator Gary Morton said.
"The important thing now is for all Port Douglas and Freshwater residents to check their properties for electric ants and report anything suspicious as soon as possible."
Electric ant infestations have been known to cause a decline in a number of native species and can also pose a danger to domestic pets.
Front page
RSS Feed