The National Biosecurity Management Group (NBMG) for Lepisiota incisa – comprising all governments – has endorsed a revised response plan for eradicating Lepisiota incisa from Western Australia.
The response continues to be led by Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and will include a range of activities to delimit, contain and eradicate remaining infestations in the Perth metropolitan area, and in Narrogin, WA.
L. incisa in an exotic invasive ant that can form super colonies and impact on the environment by reducing biodiversity and competing with native ant species. It has been observed harvesting plastic and has the potential to damage electrical equipment and infrastructure. L. incisa is not known to sting or harm human health.
Anyone who suspects they have found an invasive ant population should report it to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 as soon as possible.
For more information on current national biosecurity responses please follow the link to the national pest and disease outbreaks web page.