Broadcast Baiting May Ultimately Help Fire Ants Spread, Not Eradicate Them

Summary Points Widespread application of broadcast baits with insect growth regulators used to control and eradicate fire ants in southeast Queensland has not halted their dominance and spread. Eradication efforts for fire ants have failed when infestations exceed 10, 000 ha or have been established for over a decade. Fire ants quickly re‐establish in treated control areas and establish in areas ‘prophylactically’ baited at the leading eradication edge. Broadcast baits may exacerbate negative outcomes while continuing unnecessary financial costs. To avoid accelerating the spread of fire ants at the eradication edge and stop their dominance in the control zones, we need to shift to targeted, species‐specific methods using integrated tactics, scientific testing, and community engagement.