Argentine Ants

The best way to tell Argentine ants from other ants is by their colour and trails. Argentine ants are small (2-3 mm long) and honey-brown in colour, while most other common household ants in New Zealand are black.  The ants are not poisonous - they can't sting but some people react to their bite.

Some parts of Gisborne have found they have the Darwin's ant.  This is a small brown ant from Australia.

You can help stop the spread of ants

It is important to stop the spread of Argentine ants. You can help to ensure that they are not moved around:

• check potted plants for ants before moving
• check garden soil and bark, and building materials before moving
• check camping gear before you go camping
• check cars, caravans, boats and trailers especially if they've been parked in the same place for some time.  Spray the tyres with an ant repellent.

Tips on control and prevention

• "Spraying is not effective"
• Focus efforts on keeping ants out of the house.
• Spraying ants inside the home will not prevent more ants from entering.
• Use baits to control the ant colony.
• When ants invade your home, take immediate action

If you suspect you have Argentine ants

• Bring a sample of the ants from your property into our Customer Services. 
• Make sure they are in a clear sealed container, clearly labeled with your name, address and contact phone number.

We will let you know if they are Argentine ants.  If they are you can purchase Xstinguish paste bait from us.

Facts about Argentine ants

Unlike most other ants, they climb trees to get to food sources.
Argentine ant colonies cooperate with each other, and can combine over winter into super-colonies. They reach enormous numbers, which means they have a huge appetite.
It also makes them more aggressive towards other insect populations through their sheer numbers.

Related links

For more information visit the Biosecurity New Zealand website - How to control Argentine Ants