Yellow crazy ants are a critical biosecurity priority in Townsville, with over 20 known infestations. They are listed as one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species, and one of the world’s worst tramp ants. Their true origin is unknown due to their rapid colonisation of countries around the world, however experts suspect yellow crazy ants originate from South-East Asia.
You should report any ants that you suspect to be yellow crazy ants.
Report a Sighting
Report any suspicious ant activity to the Townsville Yellow Crazy Ant Management Program (TYCAMP).
Take a clear, close-up photo of the ants.
Send to Council through Snap Send Solve (currently under the Animals & Pets > Pest / Vermin category) or Contact Council by phone or email.
Please note: Council does not deal with any other ant or general pest control.
Fire ants and electric ants are not known to occur in Townsville. If you suspect sightings of tramp ants other than yellow crazy ants, please report sightings to Townsville City Council on 13 48 10.
Council officer Chris Barrett, Mayor Nick Dametto, Council officer Tanya Bello and Deputy Mayor Suzy Batkovic.
Council’s Yellow Crazy Ants Management team regularly engages with the community through information sessions appropriate for all age groups. They provide education, resources and opportunities for residents to ask questions about yellow crazy ants.
Local Voices, Lasting Impact
Since its launch in November 2023, the Townsville Yellow Crazy Ant Management Program (TYCAMP) has made significant progress in protecting the region from one of the world’s most destructive invasive species.
TYCAMP was established through a $12.8 million, four-year partnership between the Department of Primary Industries, Townsville City Council, the Australian Government, and the Queensland Government.
To date (December 2025), the program has:
identified 41 infestations across the Townsville Local Government Area
treated over 4,766 hectares using a combination of aerial (helicopter and drone) and ground-based applications
deployed more than 8,700 overnight lure stations to detect ant activity
monitored 77 sites to track treatment effectiveness and reinfestation risks
used ANTOFF as the primary insecticide, selected for its targeted impact and environmental safety.
Beyond field operations, the TYCAMP team has worked closely with affected residents across 10+ suburbs to tailor treatment options to individual property needs, while also raising awareness about the ongoing biosecurity risk.
TYCAMP has laid a strong foundation for long-term biosecurity success, and the team remains committed to protecting Townsville’s environment and community from the ongoing threat of yellow crazy ants.
About Yellow Crazy Ants
Yellow crazy ants are listed as one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species, and one of the world’s worst tramp ants. Their true origin is unknown due to their rapid colonisation of countries around the world, however experts suspect yellow crazy ants originate from South-East Asia.
Yellow crazy ants:
are a yellow to brownish ant with long and slender body (approximately 4mm long)
have an abdomen that is dark brown, sometimes striped
have legs and antennae that are very long
have an erratic walking style.
Check for yellow crazy ants near the base of trees, under rocks, and in man-made structures along creek lines.
Within Townsville, yellow crazy ants are known to be found in:
Yellow crazy ants form super colonies with dense populations. The sheer number of ants overwhelm both invertebrates and vertebrates, causing a loss of biodiversity. This then causes impacts to plant populations, disrupting natural processes in environments such as pollination, seed dispersal and decomposition of organic matter. Agricultural and horticultural industries are also impacted.
People’s lifestyles are impacted, and pets can receive acid burns from the formic acid sprayed by yellow crazy ants. Household electrical appliances and wiring can be damaged. Agriculture and horticulture industries are also impacted.
About Rafting
Yellow crazy ants can raft on water by holding onto each other and trapping air pockets to stay afloat. Larvae are placed at the bottom to capture air with their body hairs, while adults rotate being submerged. They use air bubbles trapped by hairs on their gaster (stomach) to breathe underwater.
Why Yellow Crazy Ants Raft
Rafting helps yellow crazy ants survive and expand outside their current environment, especially during the wet season when water levels rise. These ants live in high densities near waterways and culverts, moving to drier locations when necessary.
Dangers of Rafting
Rafting is dangerous because:
yellow crazy ants become more aggressive while rafting
they spray formic acid, which can burn and irritate skin and eyes
pets and livestock are at risk of injury if they encounter these ants.
Human-assisted spread is far more prevalent than natural spread. Yellow crazy ants are often unknowingly transported, commonly in freight pallets and packaging, timber products and landscaping supplies.
Help prevent the spread of yellow crazy ants:
Do not sell produce or items that contain yellow crazy ants.
Take a close-up and clear photo and report ants suspected to be yellow crazy ants to Council.
When ordering agricultural or horticultural products, ask suppliers what invasive biosecurity matter is possible/likely to be in their products before buying, and decide for yourself whether you can deal with the biosecurity risk.
Companies should develop a pest management plan relevant to biosecurity risks associated with their business.
Treat areas where the risk of spread is heightened (for example, stored pallets, crushing plants, etc).
The Townsville Biosecurity Plan outlines Council's strategies for preventing the introduction of restricted pest plants and animals in Townsville, and eradicating and containing them:
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species program and delivered by the Queensland Government and Townsville City Council.
