A specialist training session on fire ant management was well attended by pest managers in Maroochydore, QLD.
On October 30, 20 pest management professionals gathered at Maroochydore RSL in Queensland for a specialist fire ant training session. Organised by Sundew Solutions, the hands-on training aimed to equip attendees with a deep understanding of fire ants, exploring their biology, social structure, and ecological impact.
David Priddy, CEO of Sundew Solutions, is a leading advocate for fire ant training and better fire ant management. He guided attendees through the intensive program designed to deepen their knowledge of these invasive pests. The first part of the program focused on fire ant identification, taking a look at their unique colony behaviours, from their organised caste system to their impressive survival strategies, and providing valuable insights into their complex lives.

The second part of the training provided attendees with a deep dive into advanced fire ant management strategies. Mr Priddy shared the latest distribution maps and highlighted the critical importance of current reporting obligations for sightings. Attendees learned about innovative products and advanced techniques developed to tackle fire ants swiftly and effectively, giving them the tools to make a lasting impact in the fight against this invasive species. This information is pivotal for managing infestations and is a reflection of Sundew’s commitment to equipping pest control professionals with the best tools and knowledge available.

“The whole team from Little Critters Pest Control recently completed Sundew Solutions’ fire ant training course on the Sunshine Coast, and it was excellent,” said Matt Houlders from Little Critters Pest Control & Termite Management Specialists, QLD. “The course was well presented, with clear and detailed information that was extremely valuable to our work. The training provided us with practical knowledge and insights that we can apply immediately. Highly recommend for anyone needing in-depth fire ant awareness and control strategies to contact David Priddy.”
Mr Priddy commented, “We were thrilled to see all 20 pre-registered attendees actively participating on the day. By attending this specialist training session, attendees are now better prepared to tackle the ongoing challenge of fire ant control across various landscapes.
“It’s great to see pest management professionals giving their time and effort to advance their knowledge and skills in fire ant management as they play a vital role in safeguarding our communities and ecosystems from fire ant infestations.
“Sundew would like to thank those who attended for their dedication to our shared mission of fire ant control. We’re excited to see how you will apply your new knowledge in the field to continue making a difference in pest management. We look forward to offering further specialist training in early 2025.”