Select areas in the eastern section of Tempe Heights Park will be treated for European fire ants this June. This work builds on previous treatments in the park that took place in 2023.
European fire ants (Myrmica rubra) are an invasive species that aggressively defend their territory by swarming and delivering painful, repeated stings to any threat, such as people, pets and wildlife that come close to their nests. These ants can also displace native species wherever they establish. Fire ants are often spread through human activities, nesting in garden and landscape materials.
What to expect
Starting in mid-June, there will be three treatments in the eastern section of the park near the tennis courts on Tempe Knoll Drive. Work will occur between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. The City’s contractor, Westside Pest Control, will undertake the treatments. There are no anticipated disruptions to the tennis courts or playground. Please do not enter the flagged areas during work.
About European fire ants in North Vancouver
European fire ants were first recorded in British Columbia in 2010 and have since impacted many communities across Metro Vancouver. Fire ants were confirmed present in a select area of Tempe Heights Park in 2014.
Until recently, the City’s focus has been on containing the infestation, as no successful treatments were known. In the last couple of years, best management practices have advanced and insecticide is now considered an effective control method, limited to smaller infestations.
After learning that eradication of fire ants was possible, the City undertook treatments in Tempe Heights Park in 2023. The follow-up assessment of the infestation this spring indicated that the treatment has had some success and there has been a reduction in fire ants. The City will continue to monitor and treat the nests annually until eradication is established.
More information
Learn more about European fire ants and how to help stop the spread of this invasive species at cnv.org/FireAnts. For questions, please contact the Engineering, Parks and Environment Department at eng@cnv.org or call 604-987-7155.