Race against time to quarantine Sydney outbreak of red fire ants

A nest of potentially deadly red fire ants has been discovered at Sydney's Port Botany, with officials in a race against time to quarantine them.

The exotic pests have previously been identified in Queensland, but it is believed these ants arrived on a shipping container, most likely from the US or South America.

The port, where they were found, has now been quarantined. An urgent operation - including the use of sniffer dogs - is underway to eradicate them.

Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said special operations and control centres have been set up.

"(It's) of great concern that red fire ants have been located at Port Botany," she said.

"We want to make sure that we leave no stone unturned in making sure that there are no red fire ants let loose in NSW."

When they bite, red fire ants cause a painful, burning sensation - like being on fire.

Repeated bites can be fatal to humans, pets and small livestock.

It is believed the red fire ants have been contained to one nest, but the site surrounding it is also being thoroughly inspected to eliminate any risk of them spreading.

The nest will be dug up and its inhabitants destroyed as soon as possible, with baiting and surveillance to take place over the next few years to ensure they are all caught.