Exotic Ants in the Northern Territory 
Yellow Crazy Ant
The exotic species yellow crazy ant has been detected in Darwin for the first time. View media release
The ants have been found at a residence in Berrimah, and were discovered following a Northern Territory Government study where members of the public were encouraged to collect ant specimens to assist in mapping the distribution of a variety of exotic ants.
Northern Territory Government Wildlife Management Officers are currently conducting extensive surveys of the area in Berrimah in an effort to find out the extent of the yellow crazy ant infestation.
An eradication program has also commenced at the residence in Berrimah using a combination of products including Presto® Ant Bait, Campaign® Ant Bait and Distance® Ant Bait.
Yellow crazy ants are a highly aggressive species and are difficult to control once they are introduced to an area. However, initial surveys indicate the infestation is relatively small, so it looks promising that the ant can be eradicated.
While this discovery has occurred in Berrimah, Northern Territory Government Wildlife Management Officers are encouraging the public to assist in surveying their own backyard in the Darwin, Palmerston and rural area to ensure the yellow crazy ant does not inhabit other areas.
- More information on identifying yellow crazy ants and other questions related to the species.
View footage of the yellow crazy ant below
How can you help?
Help our scientists by collecting ants!
It's easy! Ant Collection Kits are available from the Wildlife Management Unit by contacting 08 8995 5036.
Each kit contains:
|
|
How to prepare the collection jars: Place a small amount of honey and tuna into each jar using the wooden stirrer provided. |
 |
How to set the traps: Place the traps around your back yard or other suitable area where you would like to trap. Make sure the jars are lying flat on the ground some distance apart. Leave the lid near the jar and make sure you remember where you placed them. |
 |
How to collect the ants: Leave the jars for several hours. Then collect all the jars, whether they contain ants or not. Pick up the jars, fill in some vinegar and screw on the lids. Swirl them around gently so that all ants are covered by vinegar. Place the jars containing the ants and the empty vinegar jar in the pink plastic bag. |
 |
IMPORTANT! Fill out the sheet that requests your name, date and location and place it inside the plastic bag! Place the plastic bag containing all the jars into the envelope and send it via regular post (the return address and postage have been applied to the envelope already). |
 |
To prevent further spread of exotic ants:
- Always have your luggage and goods checked by customs when you return from overseas travel.
- Do not move soils and pot plants to other areas, as the soil may contain ant nests.
- Clean machinery before moving it long distances. The dried soil that is often seen on equipment and machinery may contain ant colonies.
