Australia is facing a double threat from two of the world's most destructive ant species. 

The red imported fire ant, known for its painful stings, has made its first appearance on the western side of the Great Dividing Range in Toowoomba, Queensland. 

Meanwhile, yellow crazy ants have recently reached the Whitsundays, marking the fourth infestation in the region.

Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) are notorious for their devastating impact on agriculture and biodiversity. 

The ants, which originated in South-East Asia or Africa, have spread to various parts of the world, including South-East Asia, central America, the United States, and even the United Kingdom. 

Their rapid movement and ability to spray formic acid make them a formidable threat to wildlife, causing blindness or death in small animals.

In Australia, yellow crazy ants have wreaked havoc on Christmas Island, where they decimated the red land crab population and caused significant ecological disruptions. 

While control measures, such as baiting, have been implemented in Brisbane, recent infestations in the Whitsundays highlight the challenges of eradication.

The red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) is no less menacing. 

With its powerful sting, this South American species has spread to various regions, including the southern US, the Caribbean, China, and parts of the Pacific. Fire ant stings have caused numerous human fatalities and pose a significant risk to domestic animals, livestock, and honey bee populations. 

The ants also protect plant bugs that produce honeydew, further contributing to ecological imbalances.

Efforts to eradicate both ant species face multiple hurdles, including limited biosecurity resources, the need for constant vigilance from the public, and the spread of ants into more challenging-to-monitor bushland areas. 

The containment breaches in Toowoomba and other regions have raised concerns among experts and prompted calls for increased funding for eradication programs.

Unfortunately, the chances of complete eradication for these ants in Australia are bleak. 

The adaptable nature of both species, their ability to form super-colonies, and the difficulty of identifying and detecting them all contribute to the challenges faced by eradication efforts. 

Nonetheless, some success has been achieved in the Northern Territory, where significant areas of Indigenous land have been freed from yellow crazy ants.

To combat these invasive species effectively, experts say that comprehensive support from local councils, combined with adequate funding from federal and state governments, is crucial. 

While the battle against these ant invaders continues, urgent action is needed to minimise their impact and protect Australia's ecosystems and agriculture.