Brief
Red fire ant nest discovered at Sydney’s Enfield logistics centre
Specialist teams destroyed the nest and are surveying a 500‑metre radius while officials warn of potential spread.
By Felo News Desk · Published
On 13 October 2026, officials from the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry discovered a nest of deadly red imported fire ants at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre in Sydney’s inner west, according to SMH.
The ants were first spotted in a lure used by the department, leading to the nest’s destruction and deployment of fire‑ant‑detection dogs to survey the site. No additional nests were found.
Authorities will now inspect and treat properties within a 500‑metre radius and search for nests up to two kilometres away. Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said no further ants have been found but the response aims to prevent spread.
Invasive Species Council director Reece Pianta called the detection a reminder of the need for stronger border biosecurity funding.
Key facts
- A red fire‑ant nest was found at Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre on 13 Oct 2026. (smh.com.au)
- The nest was destroyed and detection dogs found no other nests nearby. (smh.com.au)
- A 500‑metre inspection zone and a two‑kilometre search radius have been established. (smh.com.au)
- Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said no further ants have been found. (smh.com.au)
- Invasive Species Council urges more funding for national eradication program. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Red fire ants found in Sydney’s inner west at the Enfield Intermodal Logistics Centre”
