Don't ride with me, Argentine ant
4 February 2010

They may be hitching a ride in your car, or climbing the trees in your garden ... but whatever Argentine ants are doing, you can be sure of a destructive outcome.

Regarded as one of the world's most invasive and problematic ant species, they have established themselves in a number of areas in Taranaki, prompting a call for awareness and vigilance.

"We want people to keep an eye out for them - at 2mm to 2.5mm long they're smaller than our native ants, and a different light-brown colour," says the Taranaki Regional Council's Animal Pest Manager, Steve Ellis.

"And if you do spot them, it's important to understand that they can't be controlled with normal baits and sprays. Just one effective product, called XstinguishTM Argentine Ant Bait, is available so far, and the Council has worked with the manufacturer to ensure Taranaki people can get it at a discount rate."

The bait can be ordered by calling Flybusters Antiants on 0800 349 7378. There is a 15% discount if callers say they are from Taranaki.

The Taranaki Regional Council is also working with other manufacturers to identify and source other products that may be useful in controlling the pests.

Argentine ants have been found in Waitara (south of SH3 and east of Waitara River); Bell Block; Oakura; the New Plymouth suburbs of Fitzroy, Blagdon and Westown; and Patea and Waverley.

"We particularly want to hear if Argentine ants are found outside these areas. If you suspect they are on your property, call the Taranaki Regional Council on 0800 736 222 and we will arrange to have them identified," says Mr Ellis.

He says the ants can spread by hitching rides with vehicles. "Watch for them if you're putting potplants, compost and the like into the car boot to take somewhere else. As few as a dozen Argentine ants and a queen can start a new colony."

Besides their size and colour, Argentine ants are also distinctive because there is no strong formic acid smell when they are crushed.

Although not poisonous to people, Argentine ants are very aggressive and can completely eliminate other types of ant colonies, and other native insects and even lizards. They march in columns up to five wide, climb trees in search of food and can wreak havoc in household larders in their search for protein and sweet substances.

Besides being a major household pest and a threat to native biodiversity, the ants also pose a potential economic threat. They are not found in some Asian countries, so if they become established in New Zealand's horticultural areas or near export ports, they may impact on our trade with those countries.

ends

© Scoop Media