An action group comprised of 16 departments and agencies has been formed to escalate Government efforts in the fight against red fire ants.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau called on on its members to identify the size of the problem and take appropriate action to weed out the ants.

They have been urged to inspect areas under their management and look for ant traces, eradicating any suspected ant mounds promptly.

More mounds

Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Lau Sin-pang said an additional of 28 ant mounds were found within the Hong Kong Wetland Park area, and 10 in Yeung Uk Tsuen.

Together with 12 suspected mounds in the airport area, and 30 mounds at the Sheung Yue River, the total number of new mounds found in the four sites amounts to 80.

Mr Lau said all the sites have been treated, except the five at Sheung Yue River which will be handled later.

He said the department is looking into other viable methods for applying pesticides apart from individual mound treatment to control red fire ants. 

In the meantime, individual mound treatment will continue to be used as the most efficient and effective means to kill the ants, he said, adding the department will continue to refer to the Mainland's and overseas experience in dealing with red fire ants.

The department will also study the ecological impact of the ants and the pesticides used. The department is monitoring the level of pesticide residue in the aquatic areas of the Wetland Park.

Inspections upgraded

The Customs & Excise Department has stepped up inspection of imported pot plants at boundary crossings. Travellers are advised not to bring pot plants into Hong Kong.

The Department of Health advises that the probability of developing severe allergic reactions to ant stings is slim and there is no need to panic.

In most cases, red fire ant stings cause a painful burning and itching sensation and forms blisters on the skin. Tendered properly, the wound will usually heal in 10 to 14 days.

To keep the public updated, the Government is preparing publicity pamphlets about red fire ants. They will be distributed widely through schools, district offices and housing estates. Posters and announcements of public interest are also being prepared to boost awareness.