Annoying ants need early action

Hit them while there’re only a few, is the message from Council’s ‘Ant Man’, William Dobbie.

Infestations of Argentine and Darwin’s ants can spread quickly and become costly to eradicate.

“These are the small brown ants that can get really annoying, and getting rid of infestations can take years persistence.”

People who’ve had years of full-on infestations can describe how bad it can be. Hordes of ants can infest homes and get into wardrobes, beds, bathrooms, drawers, soft chairs, firewood, gardens walls and vehicle chassis.

Each year the ants can spread from one property to neighbouring properties in all directions, or get carried by people into a totally new area.

“Frequently the main areas will get treated and exterminated, but a new ‘spot-fire’ infestation gets carried off to start up somewhere else – it’s a bit like fighting wild-fire.”

“The sooner small infestations can be controlled the less expensive it will be than waiting several years and dealing with much larger infested areas,” says Mr Dobbie.

So it’s worth getting those little brown ants identified by Council and treating the problem early and thoroughly.

Mr Dobbie works part-time during the summer season to help identify the ants and other bug pests.

“XTINGUISH” Ant bait is available to purchase over the counter at Council’s Fitzherbert St office, $50 for a large 320 gram tube.

“Usually two doses, two weeks apart are needed for an effective treatment to continue wiping out any newly hatched ants.”

“You may also need your neighbour to identify and start treating areas on their property too.”

Other treatments are available through commercial pest control operators.

Mr Dobbie says ants are essential, they do a great job of cleaning up other bugs and dead things and moving soil around, to keep the bio-cycle going.

“It's just that these particular ants got out of Darwin and Argentina and made it all the way to Gisborne, NZ – and they’re not welcome here.”

Help identifying Argentine and Darwin’s ants:

• Trap a few ants using a drop or two of honey inside a jar, laid down beside the ant trail.
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• Contact Council free phone 0800 653000.
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• Find out more about ant pests on our website www.gdc.govt.nz/argentine-ants .

ENDS

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