A “wildly toxic” chemical used to combat fire antsand the varroa mite in Australia is banned in Europe and harmful to humans – and it is poisoning waterways and killing native fauna, experts warn.
Fipronil acts as an insect nerve agent and is banned for use on crops in the EU, China, Vietnam and California because of its effect on pollinators. The insecticide was used in sugar baits across New South Wales in the now abandoned fight against the invasive varroa mite and has been injected into 35,539 fire ant nests in south-east Queensland and northern NSW since January 2023 as part of the national red imported fire ant eradication program.
But scientists are ringing alarm bells over its dangers, with a fire ants Senate inquiry last week warned about its deadly impacts on bees and other species and a lack of oversight by Australia’s chemical regulatory body.
Simon Mulvany, of Save the Bees Australia told the committee, led by Senator Matt Canavan, that the broad-spectrum pesticide is “going to kill everything”, whether the intended target or not.
Lessons could be taken from the failed varroa mite baiting experience, the committee heard. The Australian Native Bee Association in 2022 warned that fipronil will remain active in the environment for up to three years. One bee can carry enough fipronil to kill an entire hive and native bees and other insects, reptiles, birds and mammals may die from fipronil poisoning.
Kate Mason of Community Voice Australia said that a government-commissioned report in 2006 raised concerns about fipronil’s effects on other species.
She also said a review of fipronil by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority had begun in 2002 and was yet to be completed.
“Fipronil is very, very long lived so will keep poisoning the ecosystem as it moves about. It can blow on the wind, and move in water,” he said.
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