Prevention of invasion of fire ants into Japan

Red imported fire ants were found in an imported container in Amagasaki city, Hyogo Prefecture, on 26 May, followed by findings of the same ants in the port of Kobe on 16 June, in the port of Nagoya on 29 June and in the port of Osaka on 3 July.  Tropical fire ants are also found in the port of Kobe on 21 June and in the port of Osaka on 22 June. 

The Invasive Alien Species Act regulates that those types of ants, that have been recently reported to be found in Japan, shall be promptly exterminated due to possibility of serious health problem in case of contact. 

In this regard, the following attention should be paid in packing goods into a container in other countries when it is exporting to Japan: 

1. Attention should be paid not to contain fire ants, such as red imported fire ants or tropical fire ants, in a container exporting to Japan. 

2. Special attention should be paid during doors of such a container are open, and in case a fire ant is found to come into it, it should be removed with care of potential toxicity.