Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Fire ant nest found at logistics 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 monitoring lure at the freight and warehousing facility.
Genetic tests suggest they arrived from overseas in a shipping container, rather than from the infestation in south-east Queensland.
Fire ants can sting painfully and may cause swelling, redness and itchy blisters.
Detection dog teams searched the site and a nearby area but found no other nests.
Biosecurity teams are inspecting and treating possible sites within 500 metres, then will monitor and treat areas within a wider two-kilometre radius if needed.
NSW authorities say they will work with the local community to raise awareness in the coming days.
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
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