Exotic Ants in the Northern Territory 
Our native ants are currently at war with exotic ants which are competing for food and habitat. This battle is also upsetting the natural ecosystem but, Northern Territory Government scientists are working on a rescue plan.
Exotic ants such as the ginger ant, the yellow crazy ant and the big-headed ant are already established in the Northern Territory. These ants are having an impact on the environment and agricultural production.
There is concern that other exotic ants already established in Queensland - such as the red imported fire ant, the electric ant, and the Argentine ant - may also make their way into the Territory.
The Australian Government has provided funding to the Natural Resource Management Board NT who have contracted the Northern Territory Government to undertake a research project to assess the distribution, potential spread, areas of incursion, and impacts of exotic ants in the Territory.
It is difficult to contain exotic ant species once they are established so prevention is better than managing the problem once it has arrived.
It is anticipated that by better understanding where these exotic ants are located in the NT, the Northern Territory Government will be able to prevent or manage the damaging impacts on our native biodiversity.
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:
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How to prepare the collection jars: Place a small amount of honey and tuna into each jar using the wooden stirrer provided. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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). |
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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.
