The ongoing eradication of this pest is progressing strongly according to the Fire Ant Control Centre (FACC) with 90% of monitored sites recording complete cessation of RIFA activity. The program is now in its second year of the three year baiting phase with approximately all treatment areas receiving at least 3 baits so far this round. This is encouraging for industry suffering under the burden of inspections, ARMP and certification. As the drought played havoc with production and retail activity it did assist in the eradication of RIFA in that there have probably been minimal launches of alates (fertile male & female ants) due to a lack of damp humid nights.