Following on from the rediscovery of African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) (ABHA) on the Island, steps will be taken over the next month to control and contain the species within the known infestation site on the Island.

This introduced ant species is considered to be one of the greatest threats to the Islands ecosystems and is recognised as one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world with well-known adverse environmental impacts, especially on islands. Although currently confined to the settlement area it is capable of spreading into the PPP and further around the settlement if left uncontrolled.

Delimiting surveys using non-toxic lures (dogfood) will be carried out within the settlement on Friday 13 December, to establish the actual extent of the infestation. A scheduled prophylactic treatment for ants using Amdro will be carried out around the jetty area and WMF on the same day. The success of this is dependent on warm, ambient conditions (24 - 30°C) and dry weather.

Signage will be in place at the flagstaff and under the pines prior to the start of and for the duration of the survey.

The areas to be surveyed are shown on the map below.

How you can help:

Please do not interfere with survey markers once the survey has started.

Please keep dogs away from the lures that will be placed next to the survey markers.

Next steps after survey:

Once data from the survey has been collected and analysed, baiting of the infestation will commence during the next available period of suitable weather within December and further delimiting surveys will take place in January.

Ant bait to be used will be as follows:

Amdro:                  active constituent: 7.3g/Kg Hydramethylnon;

Distance Plus:       active constituent: 5g/kg Pyriproxyfen;

Advion Ant Gel:    active constituent: 0.5 g/kg Indoxacarb.

Please direct any questions to the LHIB Environment Team on 6563 2066 or email: [email protected].