01. Red imported fire ants

1. Bites that burn like fire - red imported fire ants

Can you imagine not being able to have a picnic or go camping in New Zealand? If red imported fire ants were here, that might be a reality - their bites burn like fire!

They build large nests in the soil and cause huge ecological damage. Luckily they are not here yet and we need to keep it that way.

These ants are luggage hitchhikers - keep an eye out for them in hidden parts of your bags - don't bring them with you when you come to New Zealand.

See a close-up of a red imported fire ant below.