Ants
Information on Ants from PSU, your pest control experts
Dealing with ants in New Zealand can be a bit of a challenge, especially since certain species can be quite persistent. A small group of ants can quickly become an infestation due to the social nature of ants and how they resource gather.
There are currently 38 confirmed species from 23 genera in New Zealand. Of these, only 11 are endemic (found only in New Zealand), which are generally widespread geographically and commonly found in forested habitats. The other 27 are introduced species, accidentally transported to New Zealand by humans, mostly from Australia. Here are some species that may cause issues for your home or business:
Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile)
Description: Small, light to dark brown, and often confused with other small ant species.
Habitat: Prefers warm environments and is often found in urban areas.
Behavior: Forms large colonies and can displace native ant species.
Coastal Brown Ant (Pheidole megacephala)
Description: Characterized by a large-headed soldier caste and a small worker caste.
Habitat: Found in coastal areas and urban gardens.
Behavior: Can be aggressive and is known for its foraging efficiency.
Sugar Ant (Camponotus consobrinus)
Description: Large, often black or dark brown with a distinctive build.
Habitat: Common in gardens and urban areas, often attracted to sugary substances.
Behavior: Can form large foraging trails.
Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger)
Description: Glossy black with a typical size of about 3-5 mm.
Habitat: Common in gardens and parks, usually nesting in soil.
Behavior: Forages for aphid honeydew and is beneficial for plants.
Southern Ant (Myrmecia eucalypti)
Description: Medium-sized, often reddish-brown.
Habitat: Typically found in forests and shrubland.
Behavior: Not particularly aggressive, but will defend their nests.
Meat Ant (Iridomyrmex purpureus)
Description: Medium to large, dark brown to black.
Habitat: Prefers open areas and is often seen in parks.
Behavior: Known for their aggressive defense of their nests
How to prevent ant infestations:
Keep Food Sealed: Store food in airtight containers. This includes pet food, grains, and snacks.
Clean Up Crumbs: Regularly clean counters, floors, and dining areas. Wipe up spills immediately.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps, especially around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal them.
Remove Outdoor Attractants: Keep your yard tidy by removing debris, sealing garbage cans, and keeping compost piles away from the house.
Limit Moisture: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage to reduce moisture, which can attract ants.
Create Barriers: Consider using diatomaceous earth or ant bait stations around the perimeter of your home.
Dealing with ants in New Zealand can be a bit of a challenge, especially since certain species can be quite persistent. A small group of ants can quickly become an infestation due to the social nature of ants and how they resource gather.
There are currently 38 confirmed species from 23 genera in New Zealand. Of these, only 11 are endemic (found only in New Zealand), which are generally widespread geographically and commonly found in forested habitats. The other 27 are introduced species, accidentally transported to New Zealand by humans, mostly from Australia. Here are some species that may cause issues for your home or business:
Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile)
Description: Small, light to dark brown, and often confused with other small ant species.
Habitat: Prefers warm environments and is often found in urban areas.
Behavior: Forms large colonies and can displace native ant species.
Coastal Brown Ant (Pheidole megacephala)
Description: Characterized by a large-headed soldier caste and a small worker caste.
Habitat: Found in coastal areas and urban gardens.
Behavior: Can be aggressive and is known for its foraging efficiency.
Sugar Ant (Camponotus consobrinus)
Description: Large, often black or dark brown with a distinctive build.
Habitat: Common in gardens and urban areas, often attracted to sugary substances.
Behavior: Can form large foraging trails.
Black Garden Ant (Lasius niger)
Description: Glossy black with a typical size of about 3-5 mm.
Habitat: Common in gardens and parks, usually nesting in soil.
Behavior: Forages for aphid honeydew and is beneficial for plants.
Southern Ant (Myrmecia eucalypti)
Description: Medium-sized, often reddish-brown.
Habitat: Typically found in forests and shrubland.
Behavior: Not particularly aggressive, but will defend their nests.
Meat Ant (Iridomyrmex purpureus)
Description: Medium to large, dark brown to black.
Habitat: Prefers open areas and is often seen in parks.
Behavior: Known for their aggressive defense of their nests
How to prevent ant infestations:
Keep Food Sealed: Store food in airtight containers. This includes pet food, grains, and snacks.
Clean Up Crumbs: Regularly clean counters, floors, and dining areas. Wipe up spills immediately.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps, especially around windows, doors, and the foundation. Use caulk or weather stripping to seal them.
Remove Outdoor Attractants: Keep your yard tidy by removing debris, sealing garbage cans, and keeping compost piles away from the house.
Limit Moisture: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage to reduce moisture, which can attract ants.
Create Barriers: Consider using diatomaceous earth or ant bait stations around the perimeter of your home.
Like thousands of other New Zealand households, let Property Services Unlimited handle your Pest Problem. Head to our new book online service for a discounted price for your pest type and location (residential and Waikato area only).
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