Media Release

5 January 2012

Public urged to alert Council to new invasive ant infestations

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is calling on locals to alert them to new infestations of the invasive ant species, Argentine ants now found in parts of Hawke’s Bay.

Council staff have already talked to a number of residents about Argentine ants being on their property and provided advice for controlling the spread and eradicating them on properties.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Biosecurity officer Alice McNatty says Council relies on new reports to monitor the pest.

“We are monitoring whether Argentine ants are spreading in Hawke’s Bay, and so welcome new calls from anyone who has not previously been contacted by us about infestations on their property,” says Alice McNatty.

The control of Argentine ants is a householder’s responsibility, as Hawke’s Bay Regional Council does not control ants on private property. The Council does however provide advice on identifying the ant, control methods and suitable contractors. A Best Baiting Guide is available on Council’s website www.hbrc.govt.nz or residents can request a printed copy.

“Summer is a good time to look for these ants, as they are on the move and we are outdoors in the garden and better able to spot unusual looking ant activity across pavements, patios or around the home,” said Ms McNatty.

Argentine ants are 2-3 mm in length, and a uniform light brown or honey colour, rather than the darker colours of more common ants. They are mostly spread with our help – by people inadvertently transporting infested pot plants, firewood, soil, caravans, cars, freight etc.

Argentine ant infestations are frequently not detected until they have started becoming a nuisance, by which stage they are well established. As the ants are aggressive and work in large numbers, they become a major lifestyle pest, infesting gardens and homes, reducing other insect and animal species, and impacting on horticulture. Argentine ant bites are not poisonous, but can be irritating and cause allergic-type reactions in some people.

Anyone who finds ants matching the description on their property, can contact Ms McNatty for more information and advice on 06 833 8083 or 0800 108 838. People can also collect some ants in a jar labelled with the resident’s contact details, and bring them into Hawke’s Bay Regional Council offices in Napier to have them identified.

ends

© Scoop Media