In an emergency, always call 000 — this tool is not a substitute for medical care.

Insect & Ant Safety

Most single stings cause local pain and swelling — but anaphylaxis can follow even one sting, and one species here (red imported fire ants) is also an active national biosecurity concern.

This page is not a diagnosis

A photo can't tell you whether you're having, or about to have, an allergic reaction. Call 000 immediately for difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, dizziness, or widespread hives — regardless of which insect was involved.

🐜

Bull Ant

Myrmecia species

MEDIUM RISK

Large ant with a powerful, painful sting that will defend its nest vigorously if disturbed. Can cause allergic reactions.

Where it may occur

All of Australia. Habitat: Bushland, gardens, lawns, forests.

Do not disturb

Avoid nests. Sting is very painful. Can cause allergic reactions. Seek medical help if severe reaction.

If stung: Bull Ant / European Wasp Sting

  • If it was a bee sting, scrape out the stinger if visible (bees can leave a barbed stinger behind) — wasps generally don't leave one.
  • Apply a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling.
  • An antihistamine can help with a local reaction.
  • Call 000 immediately if there's difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or widespread hives — signs of anaphylaxis.

What a photo cannot tell you

A photo can help recognise the insect, but it can't confirm how many times you were stung or your personal allergy risk.

🐝

European Wasp

Vespula germanica

MEDIUM RISK

Invasive wasp. Can sting multiple times and will defend its nest vigorously if disturbed.

Where it may occur

Southern Australia. Habitat: Gardens, walls, roof cavities, underground.

Do not disturb

Avoid nests. Can sting repeatedly. Allergic reactions possible. Report nests to authorities.

If stung: Bull Ant / European Wasp Sting

  • If it was a bee sting, scrape out the stinger if visible (bees can leave a barbed stinger behind) — wasps generally don't leave one.
  • Apply a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling.
  • An antihistamine can help with a local reaction.
  • Call 000 immediately if there's difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or widespread hives — signs of anaphylaxis.

What a photo cannot tell you

A photo can help recognise the insect, but it can't confirm how many times you were stung or your personal allergy risk.

🐜

Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA)

Solenopsis invicta

MEDIUM RISK

Invasive ant that swarms and stings repeatedly when its mound is disturbed. A serious biosecurity concern in Australia — sightings must be reported.

Biosecurity reporting required

This is an invasive species under active national eradication. Report suspected sightings at fireants.org.au rather than treating the nest yourself.

Where it may occur

South-East Queensland (spreading, under biosecurity control). Habitat: Lawns, parks, pastures, disturbed ground in biosecurity control zones.

Do not disturb

Do not disturb mounds. Report suspected sightings to your state biosecurity or agriculture authority rather than treating them yourself.

If stung: Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA) Sting

  • Move away from the area calmly — disturbing a mound can bring many more ants at once.
  • Wash the stung area with soap and water and apply a cold pack.
  • Small blisters often form — do not scratch or pop them, as this raises infection risk.
  • Call 000 immediately if there are signs of anaphylaxis (multiple stings, difficulty breathing, widespread hives, dizziness).
  • Report the ant nest to your state biosecurity or agriculture authority — do not treat it yourself.

What a photo cannot tell you

A photo can help recognise fire ants, but the biosecurity risk comes from the nest and colony, not any single ant — always report what you find rather than relying on a photo ID alone.

Back to Home

Guidance last reviewed: September 2026. Sources: Better Health Channel — Bites and stings first aid, National Fire Ant Eradication Program — Report a sighting. This is general information, not a substitute for professional medical care. In an emergency, always call 000.

Privacy Policy