What does a yellow crazy ant look like?

Business Queensland describes it as yellow to brownish, slender and about 5 mm long, with very long legs and antennae, and an erratic, frantic way of walking, especially when disturbed. It can spray formic acid, which may irritate skin and eyes.

Is Lismore in a fire ant zone?

We don't say whether any town is in or out of a zone, because zones change. If you think you've seen fire ants, report them to the NSW Biosecurity Helpline and let the NSW Government tell you what applies.

Do you cover Goonellabah and the villages?

Tell us your postcode and what you've found, and we look for a local business near you that does that job.

Pest control Lismore: termites, mosquitoes and odd ants

Found ants you don't recognise?

Leave them alone: don't dig, spray or move the nest. For suspected fire ants, the NSW Government asks for a clear photo and a report to the NSW Biosecurity Helpline or its online form. Our form never takes fire ant jobs.

What's different around Lismore

Yellow crazy ants were found here

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service says a new yellow crazy ant infestation was confirmed in the Lismore region in May 2018, and a 2025 research paper names the two sites as the CBD and Terania Creek. We couldn't confirm the current status, so a slender yellow ant that runs about frantically is worth reporting.

Fire ants up the road

In February 2024 the NSW Government reminded Northern Rivers residents to watch for fire ants after detections at South Murwillumbah and Wardell. They travel in soil, mulch, hay and turf, so check new landscaping deliveries.

A named mosquito warning

In December 2025, Northern NSW Local Health District urged people in the Lismore, Richmond Valley and Kyogle areas to take particular care to avoid mosquito bites. As at 30 July 2026, NSW Health also lists Lismore as a Japanese encephalitis high risk area.

The most Barmah Forest virus in NSW

In 2024 to 2025, Northern NSW Local Health District recorded 69 Ross River virus and 27 Barmah Forest virus notifications, the most Barmah Forest notifications of any district in the state.

Termites on a Lismore house

CSIRO says mainland termite risk generally rises as you head north, and is highest in the subtropics and tropics. Damp makes it worse: WA's building regulator says plumbing, drainage and roof leaks should be fixed quickly because damp conditions attract termites.

Most people find termites through damaged timber or mud tubes, not swarms. If you find either, leave them undisturbed, because CSIRO says several control options rely on finding termites still active. Photograph them and get a termite inspection of the whole house.

Mosquitoes: what helps, and who to ask

From January to March 2025, NSW Health reported rainfall well above average across north-east NSW, and Lismore is one of its coastal trapping sites for the 2025 to 2026 season. Wet years mean more breeding water around the house.

A pest business doesn't prevent mosquito-borne disease; that's a question for NSW Health and your doctor. What does help at home is tipping out water every week, screens on windows and doors, and long, light clothing at dusk.

What we'd do about pests in Lismore

Book a termite inspection if the house hasn't had one recently, and fix any leak or blocked downpipe you know about first. For anything that looks like an invasive ant, ring the NSW Biosecurity Helpline and ask before anyone else gets involved.

Want someone to look at it?

Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.

What have you seen?