Destructive and deadly ants are being attacked down-under from up above. As part of the National Fire Ant Eradication Program (NFAEP), the Australian government is going high-tech to eradicate the fire ant. NFAEP, which began in 2001, is a national program used to control and eradicate fire ants. In 2001, 65,000 nests were discovered.
The Aerial Sting:
Helicopters, armed with remote-sensing equipment, are equipped with high-resolution thermal imaging cameras to scout out the dangerous ant colonies. Since nests are warmer than surrounding areas, the high-tech equipment detects differences in temperatures, helping officials locate the nests. Once they are spotted and analyzed, liquid insecticide is injected directly into the nest to destroy the ants.
Fire Ants:
Native to South America, the invasive ants, Solenopsis invicta, can greatly impact outdoor activities. The ants also destroy crops causing financial loss to the agricultural industry. But the ants also injure and kill native wildlife and sting pets and humans. Usually attacking as a group, the ant stings from its tail and can sting repeatedly. Each painful sting releases venom, giving the affected area a burning sensation that can last up to an hour. A 
small blister then forms at the site, which can be extremely itchy. Some people have a severe allergic reaction to the sting which can result in death.
Fire Ant Description:
The head and body of the ants are reddish-brown while the abdomen is dark. Mature nests, which are frequently located next to or under objects on the ground, are often dome-shaped and do not have any entry or exit holes. The interior of the nest has a honeycomb structure.
Officials remind residents to be on the lookout for ant activity and to notify authorities if any fire ants are suspected. And if located, officials are urging people not to disturb or destroy the nest. A wide variety of photographs are also available on the Queensland Government website.
Fire ants photograph via US Department of Agriculture via Public Domain
Ant bites photo from the US Department of Agriculture under Public Domain
A real bunch of goof-for-nothings, then, these fire-ants. Maybe they started those fires as well !
Those bites awful!