Routine checks discover fire ants at Napier Port

By ANNE BESTON

One of the world's insect nasties was discovered as soon as biosecurity staff laid bait at Napier Port.

High-risk areas such as sea ports and airports are surveyed for invasive ants on a rotating basis and this year it was Napier's turn.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff began work on Thursday and confirmed a red fire ant incursion by Saturday.

"We've surveyed over half the port and found them only in this one area, so it appears to be localised at this stage," said MAF exotic animal response team leader Amelia Pascoe.

No nests had yet been found.

Red fire ants are native to South America and high on New Zealand's unwanted nasties' list.

Reddish-brown and between 3mm and 6mm, the ants aggressively defend their nests, swarming out to attack any perceived threat by delivering a sting similar to that of a bee or wasp.

It is not serious in most cases but can cause a more serious reaction in some people.

This is the third year of the national surveillance programme, set up after a red fire ant find at Auckland Airport in 2001.

That nest was mown for up to two years before a bitten worker reported it.