The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) is greatly concerned in protecting Fiji from the introduction, establishment and spread of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA). This species of ants has potential to be a serious environmental, social and economic threat to the country.

The Red Imported Fire Ant, scientifically known as Solenopsis invicta (or simply RIFA) is one of over 280 species in the widespread ant genus Solenopsis. Although the RIFA is native to South America, it has become a pest in the southern United States of America (USA) and Hawaii, Argentina, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Australia, the Caribbean, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the southern Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian and Macau.