Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 14 mins ago
Fire ant nest found at freight centre in Sydney’s inner west
A nest of red imported fire ants was found at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre in Sydney’s inner west.
Commonwealth authorities detected the ants in a lure used for monitoring, and genetic tests suggest they arrived from overseas in a shipping container.
The species is not native to Australia, and its sting can cause painful burning, swelling and itchy blisters.
Detection dog teams searched the site and a nearby area but found no other nests.
Biosecurity teams are inspecting properties within 500 metres and will monitor and treat locations as needed within a wider two-kilometre area.
The NSW government plans to work with local residents to help them spot the ants.
Officials say earlier fire ant incursions in NSW, including one at Port Botany, were eradicated.
A red imported fire ant nest was discovered at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre in Sydney’s inner west.
Commonwealth authorities found the ants in a lure used as part of a detection system.
Genetic tests indicated the ants likely arrived from overseas in a shipping container, rather than from south-east Queensland.
The nest was destroyed, and detection dog teams found no other nests at the site or nearby.
Authorities plan to inspect and treat potential locations within 500 metres and conduct surveillance within a two-kilometre radius.
- Who
- Commonwealth authorities discovered the ants. NSW biosecurity teams and Queensland-based National Fire Ant Program officers are involved in the response.
- What
- A red imported fire ant nest was found and destroyed.
- When
- The discovery was reported on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre, in Sydney’s inner west.
- Why
- Genetic tests indicated the ants likely arrived from overseas in a shipping container. The response aims to identify and eradicate any potential spread.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Commonwealth authorities discovered fire ants in a detection lure at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre.
The nest was destroyed and specialist detection dog teams searched the logistics hub and nearby area, finding no other nests.
Authorities plan inspections and treatment within 500 metres, followed by surveillance and treatment where needed within a two-kilometre radius.
- Site
- Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre, Sydney’s inner west
- Detection method
- Ants found in a lure used in a detection system
- Likely origin
- Overseas via a shipping container
- Immediate inspection radius
- 500 metres
- Surveillance radius
- 2 kilometres
- Previous NSW eradication
- Port Botany, 2014
What people are saying
It’s important to note that no further ants have been found, but we are focused on making sure any potential spread is identified and eradicated quickly
Sydney does not want to find out what living with fire ants looks like
These distances are based on scientific understanding of how queen fire ants can move and potentially establish a new nest
Sources
Related news
Jonathan the tortoise’s gene switches may offer clues to long life
Balikpapan shortens school hours as wildfire smoke worsens air quality
BAE Systems unveils microwave and artillery systems to counter drone attacks
Texas oilfield wastewater may help cool data centers
South Korea forecast to turn colder and windier on Wednesday
Forecast puts possible global warming by 2100 at up to 5.7°C
Singapore air quality remains unhealthy amid transboundary haze
Medieval teeth show lead mining spread in England by the 7th century
Review finds broader evidence of human-caused climate change
Chinook salmon return to habitat opened by removal of four Klamath River dams
Mostly stable, summer-like weather forecast across Spain on Tuesday
