ANT PEST CONTROL AUCKLAND
How Do You Exterminate Ants, Especially Queen Ants, Around Your Home?
The process of exterminating ants effectively, while targeting queen ants specifically, involves a strategic and systematic approach. Here's how it's done:
- Identify and Target Key Areas:
- The primary focus is to eradicate queen ants located in multiple nests within and around your home. Queen ants are crucial to the colony's survival, so their elimination is vital for long-term results.
- Treatments with a transfer effect:
- Use a products that have a delay in action resulting in transfer to colony and Queen. Use Termador, German made exterior spray that gets on the bodies of the ants and for four travels with them into the nest. This treatment should be applied around the all of the exterior of your home or business one metre up one metre out . The ants do the work for you taking the Termador into the nest. Species match your bait and use these baits on ant trails on the interior and exterior. This helps to speed the process and also gives the customer an ant free environment inside while the Termador works its magic outside.
- Timeline for Effectiveness:
- This varies with ant species with some species decimated inside one day, others seven days and some other species may take around 6 weeks. As the Termador is effective for up to 12 months there is some protection there for new ant invasions following the disappearance of your current ants.
- Interior Treatments:
- NO interior spray in required. Mostly species specific bait are enough for the interior, however where an ants nest is discovered inside sometimes these are destroyed with fast acting void filling chemicals. There's no need to a transfer property when the nest has been located, as quickly the entire nest, Queens included are dispatched.
- Ongoing Monitoring:
- Regularly check treated areas to ensure the ants do not return, and reapply treatments as necessary for maintenance and prevention.
By focusing on strategic placement of treatments with a transfer property, you can disrupt their colonies, particularly by targeting the queens with Quality German and American made products. This method ensures a more thorough and lasting solution to your ant problems.
Why are ants difficult to treat?
Ant control in Auckland can be difficult as the Queen ant is always remote and not accessible. The Queen is only important organism in the nest, if she remains alive the nest continues in some form. If she perishes then the colony no longer exists.
The general advice is use bait to get to the queen, but commonly customers say their baiting efforts didn't work. Over the counter baiting products can be problematic for a number of reasons. The main reason is that some species do not rely solely on foraging food to feed the nest (and Queen). With these species bait will reduce down the number of foraging ants but never get to the Queen. Another reason is that some ants species prefer fat and protein no the over the counter sugar based baits.
Common pest ants in Auckland
An estimated 14,000 ant species inhabit our planet. However, when it comes to New Zealand, only a select few species are commonly known to make their way into homes and buildings. Among these are:
- The White Footed House ant. A black medium sized ant. One size. Commonly seen coming out of structures.
- The Argentine ant. A brown medium sized ant. One size. Often in pot plants or retaining walls.
- Coastal Brown ant. A brown small ant. Two sizes, a few with big heads. Makes sand mounds come up around pavers.
These particular species are frequently identified as culprits invading domestic spaces in New Zealand, despite the vast diversity of ants worldwide
Understanding Ants and Their Classification
Ants are fascinating social insects that fall under the order Hymenoptera, a classification they share with other well-known insects like bees and wasps. These creatures are known for their highly organized and cooperative colonies, where each member plays a vital role in supporting the group's survival.
The Structure of an Ant Colony
Ant colonies are impressive in their complexity, usually forming extensive nests underground. These nests consist of interconnected chambers and tunnels meticulously designed for several purposes such as:
- Food Storage: A secure place to keep the colony’s sustenance.
- Egg Laying Areas: Spaces dedicated to reproduction and growth.
- Nurseries: Zones where young ants are cared for until they mature.
A single colony can house tens of thousands of ants, and it's not uncommon to find multiple colonies densely packed in a given area, making them a challenging pest to manage.
Ant Species Around the World
Globally, there are approximately 14,000 different species of ants. Each species has adapted to a variety of environments, showcasing incredible diversity. However, only a handful are known for their tendency to infiltrate human habitats. Some common examples include:
- Black House Ants
- Coastal Brown Ants
- White-Footed House Ants
- Argentine Ants
These species are often observed invading homes and buildings, drawn by the comforts and resources humans unknowingly provide.
In essence, ants are a key part of the ecosystem, demonstrating remarkable social behaviors and structural ingenuity, all while being closely related to other insects in the Hymenoptera order.
Understanding Ant Invaders: Why They Enter and Where They Nest
Ants are relentless when it comes to ensuring the survival and growth of their colony. This fundamental drive pushes them to seek out food, moisture, and suitable shelter—essentials they may find within your home.
Reasons Ants Invade Homes:
- For Food and Water: Ants enter homes primarily in search of food. Kitchens often become a hotspot due to open pantry items or crumbs left behind. These persistent little explorers can detect even small amounts of food and will relentlessly forage to bring it back to support their colony.
- Seeking Shelter: Homes offer a comfortable and protected environment away from harsh outdoor elements, allowing ants to build safe nests and thrive.
Where Ants are Likely to Nest:
- Outdoor Sites: Most ant colonies start their construction outdoors beneath protective covers like wood piles, patios, rocks, or stones in the garden.
- Indoor Hideouts: When they decide to nest indoors, ants often utilize wall voids or spaces behind insulation. Damaged wood—especially those areas compromised by moisture—provides ideal nesting spots.
Ants are expert navigators, laying down pheromone trails to direct fellow workers between food sources and their nests. It's this strategic organization that often leads to the familiar sight of ants marching in neat lines through our homes.
By understanding these behaviors and nesting preferences, homeowners can better anticipate and address potential ant invasions before they gain a foothold.
Are ants dangerous, and what specific threats do Argentine ants pose in New Zealand?
In general, most ants in New Zealand are considered more of a nuisance than a danger. They can invade homes and become bothersome, but they usually don't pose significant risks to health or property. However, the Argentine ant is an exception and stands out due to the serious threats it presents.
Threats Posed by Argentine Ants
1. Urban Spread:
First found in Auckland in the 1990s, Argentine ants have rapidly spread across various towns and cities. They travel by hitching rides on freight, in potted plants, and within vehicles, among other carriers.
2. Domestic Disruption:
Argentine ants are notorious for invading homes. They infiltrate everything from cupboards and sealed containers to the more hidden spaces like electrical wiring and wall voids, causing significant domestic disruption.
3. Outdoor Limitations:
Their aggressive swarming behavior can prevent people from enjoying outdoor activities such as gardening or hosting social events. In some cases, their presence is severe enough to force families to sell their homes and relocate.
4. Threat to Pets:
Argentine ants have been responsible for the deaths of caged pets like birds and lizards, primarily in the Bay of Plenty and Northland regions. This makes them a serious concern for pet owners.
Global Perspective
The World Conservation Union has identified the Argentine ant as one of the world's most invasive species, underscoring their potential for ecological and social disruption. These ants not only threaten local biodiversity but also impact daily human life in affected areas.
How do you treat ants?
ACES pest control uses products that target the Queen to get a better result for our customers. There's no magical spray that does it all. Its a combination of knowledge of the different species of ants and matching the products to the species of ant. Additionally using products that transfer to the colony and kill the Queen (s).
The net result is a treatment that is slower to work but more effective in the long run.
We attend the NPMA conference's and recently completed the course on the management of Ant Super Colonies by Dr Robert Puckett. Our technique for ant control is considered best practice by Dr Puckett and NPMA.
ACES pest control is a mid price company, using the best German and American products. We are not the most expensive and never the cheapest but always best value and most effective!
Are ant control products safe?
For ant control, ACES pest control are qualified pest controllers under Protrain. This means we use the safest techniques when providing a service for your home or business.
We also attend the NPMA conferences for the latest techniques and products.
Your safety is our priority, rest assured you are in good hands.
How quickly can you get there?
How quickly can you expect pest control services to arrive? We prioritize swift action to address your pest issues promptly. Our team works diligently to ensure we're at your doorstep as quickly as possible, often offering same-day or next-day service depending on your location and our availability.
For emergencies, we make it a priority to prioritize your needs and provide immediate assistance. We understand the urgency that pests can create and are committed to resolving your concerns without delay.
FAQS video on ANTS
ANTS FAQS
Frequently asked questions for ants
Q: ANTS: WHAT PREPARATION IS REQUIRED FOR ANT TREATMENT?
A: Nothing. No preparation treatment. You do not need to leave the house.
Q: ANTS: CAN SOME ANTS EAT THE WOOD MY HOUSES?
A: No. None of NZs pest ant species eat wood.
Q: ANTS: FOR AN ANT TREATMENT HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO BE OUT OF THE HOUSE?
A: You don't. We don't do interior spray for ants. You can be there while we do the job.
How Can I Prevent Ants from Returning in the Future?
Keeping ants at bay can be challenging due to their ability to find even the smallest entry points. However, there are several effective strategies you can employ to reduce the chances of an ant infestation:
1. Seal Entry Points
- Inspect your home for cracks and crevices in walls, windows, and doors.
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal these potential entryways.
- Install door sweeps to block gaps at the bottom of doors.
2. Eliminate Food Sources
- Store food in airtight containers and avoid leaving crumbs or spills unattended.
- Keep countertops and floors clean, especially after meals.
- Regularly take out the trash and ensure bins have tight-fitting lids.
3. Control Moisture
- Fix leaky pipes and faucets promptly, as ants are attracted to moisture.
- Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements and crawl spaces.
- Ensure that gutters and downspouts divert water away from your home’s foundation.
4. Create Natural Barriers
- Plant ant-repelling herbs such as mint, lavender, or basil around the perimeter of your home.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth or a mixture of vinegar and water near entry points to deter ants naturally.
5. Professional Pest Control
For ongoing issues, consider a professional pest control service. Companies like ACES pest control offer comprehensive solutions tailored to prevent ant infestations. They use safe and effective methods, keeping your home protected without compromising your family’s health.
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of ants returning, achieving a peaceful, pest-free environment.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
"Very prompt service, very knowledgeable, dealt with our ant problem in a flash. Thanks very much."
- Maureen
