Learn more about the impact, raise your voice, and join us in the fight for safe and responsible pest control solutions.
University of Central Florida’s Biology Professor and world renowned fire ant expert Dr. Joshua King has written to Australia detailing his concerns with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.
He “strongly disagree[s] with the current prophylactic approach to fire ant management” and believes that “current approach is not sustainable, excessively costly, and ultimately may hasten fire ant spread and establishment”
Stop The Toxic Fire Ant Program
Welcome to ‘Stop The Toxic Fire Ant Program’, your trusted source for information on the toxic and destructive National Fire Ant Eradication Plan and its impact on local communities. We are dedicated to ensuring the safety, efficacy, and environmental integrity of pest management programs that affect our homes and lands.
Our mission is to address and resolve concerns related to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. With a commitment to transparency and community engagement, we strive to hold responsible parties accountable and ensure that all aspects of the eradication process are thoroughly vetted and communicated.
Key Benefits of Raising Awareness
Campaigns can lead to meaningful policy changes and encourage decision-makers to adopt more effective, eco-friendly solutions.
Awareness campaigns can drive meaningful changes in policies and practices. By highlighting issues and garnering public support, we can influence decision-makers to adopt more effective and environmentally-friendly solutions.
Our Mission
Our website serves as a platform to voice concerns, request crucial information, protect their properties and drive positive change. We are here to support our community in seeking answers and ensuring that pest control measures are conducted with the utmost respect for both people and the environment.
Join us in our mission to safeguard our homes and natural resources. Stay informed, stay engaged, and together, let’s work towards a safer and more sustainable future.
We are deeply concerned about the environmental impact of the eradication plan on our local wildlife,organic fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and natural surroundings. Our goal is to obtain and share critical information about the environmental studies conducted, and to advocate for sustainable practices that preserve our ecosystems.
We seek to clarify the safety and effectiveness of the chemicals used, such as S Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen. Our aim is to get access to evidence and detailed risk assessments to ensure that these substances do not adversely affect human health, animals, or the environment.
We are committed to demanding better communication and consent practices. We question why property owners were not consulted prior to treatment and why some community members were left uninformed. We are pushing for 100% notification and the implementation of comprehensive consent procedures.
We are deeply concerned about the environmental impact of the eradication plan on our local wildlife,organic fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and natural surroundings. Our goal is to obtain and share critical information about the environmental studies conducted, and to advocate for sustainable practices that preserve our ecosystems.
We address issues related to aerial and ground treatments, including the potential for chemical leaching into waterways, accidental contamination, and the safety of nearby livestock, humans, and domestic pets.
We seek to clarify the safety and effectiveness of the chemicals used, such as S Methoprene and Pyriproxyfen. Our aim is to get access to evidence and detailed risk assessments to ensure that these substances do not adversely affect human health, animals, or the environment.
We emphasize the need for proactive community engagement and effective communication strategies. We advocate for prompt responses to community concerns and transparency about any incidents of accidental chemical dumping or treatment errors.
We are committed to demanding better communication and consent practices. We question why property owners were not consulted prior to treatment and why some community members were left uninformed. We are pushing for 100% notification and the implementation of comprehensive consent procedures.
The two main baits being used contain Pyriproxyfen or S-methoprene and both chemicals are classified as HIGHLY/VERY TOXIC to aquatic life.
There are two chemicals used for broadcast baiting:
These chemicals are classed as ‘insect growth regulators’ and they:
Other chemicals used in fast-acting baits are insecticides:
The use of these chemicals, some of which are banned in regions like the EU and China, raises ethical questions about their safety and regulatory oversight. The classification of these substances as endocrine disruptors and carcinogens underscores the need for stricter regulations and alternative solutions that minimize harm to ecosystems and human health.
The use of banned fire ant poison, known for its severe ecological and health risks, underscores the urgent need to reconsider how we treat fire ants and explore safer, more sustainable alternatives for treating fire ants
The scale of this program is unprecedented.
Enormous sums spent with little success in controlling fire ants.
Impact and Risks of Chemical Persistence
This report details the analysis of water quality in Dawson Creeks following aerial treatment. It examines chemical residues, their environmental impact, and outlines necessary actions to address any identified issues.
For instance, Pyriproxyfen has been shown to be particularly harmful to crustaceans and fish, causing developmental and reproductive issues even at low concentrations. The detected level of Pyriproxyfen in Dawson Creek (81 μg/L) is alarmingly high, significantly exceeding safe environmental concentrations. This could lead to severe ecological consequences, such as reduced fish populations and impaired ecosystem health.
“Our largest mistake was the use of insecticide dropped aerially … what we were disturbing were the ‘would be’ competitors of the fire ants so when the fire ants moved in they had no competitors.”
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Whistleblower
“In twenty years we have spent a billion dollars and the problem is 20 times worse.”