The National Biosecurity Management Group (NBMG) met on 15 September 2025 due to additional detections of Lepisiota incisa and approved a 3-year Response Plan for the National L. incisa Eradication Program (NLIEP). Based on the advice of the National Biosecurity Management Consultative Committee, the NBMG has maintained L. incisa remains technically feasible to eradicate and agreed to commit an additional $1.2 million to deliver response objectives.
Led by the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the nationally cost-shared Response Plan aims to eradicate L. incisa by June 2028. The plan includes a range of activities to delimit, contain and eliminate any remaining infestations in Western Australia.
L. Incisa is an exotic ant species that forms super-colonies that can impact the environment through reducing biodiversity and out-competing native ant species. While it may be present in urban environments, it is not known to sting or be harmful to human health.
If you suspect the presence of L. incisa in Perth or the surrounding area please report your suspicions to DPIRD through the MyPestGuide Reporter app or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. You can find out more about how we respond to pest and disease incidents at outbreak.gov.au.