Slow the spread of invasive ants through Tasman and Nelson
A letter to land occupiers and their neighbours whose properties might be affected by Argentine and Darwin Ants.
30 January 2008
Two species of invasive ants, Argentine and Darwin’s, have been found on properties in Tasman and Nelson Districts, mostly within urban areas. Both species can multiply very quickly and become major household and environmental pests. Both are now included in the Tasman-Nelson Regional Pest Management Strategy 2007-2012. If either species is present on your land, land occupiers (e.g. those who are living at this address) are required to purchase and apply bait.
Note: If Argentine and/or Darwin Ants are present on your land, Council requires land occupiers to purchase and apply bait.
Recent study
A Council contractor has been surveying the street frontage of areas that have previously been infested and areas where ants have been reported, to check on the current distribution of these two species. On the basis of this survey, we believe that either Argentine or Darwin’s ants are present on or near your land.
Suggested baiting timeline
Please check your properties and take appropriate action to control these pests if they are present.
Nelson City Council is planning on having infested Council land (e.g., roadside verges, reserves) baited around the second weekend in February (9th/10th) and it would be sensible for landowners to plan on baiting around this time, if they haven’t already done so.
If the weather is wet, then you may need to hold off until the ants are actively foraging again. Baiting at the same time as your neighbours will achieve better results.
Laying bait
The bait is available for purchase in 325 gram cartridges from Stephen Fryer (544 5274) and Brent Thompson of FlyBusters/AntiAnts (0800 837 070) and the smaller 100 gram tubes from Warwick Ivory of Alpha Environmental (544 4365). The 325 gram cartridges will treat a medium to large section (600 – 1,000 square metres), with some left over for re-baiting 4-6 weeks later if there are any pockets of survivors. The smaller tubes should only be used for small sections (400 square metres), as found with townhouses. Please order your bait a few days before you need it as your supplier may need to freight bait from Auckland.
Click here for more information on Argentine and Darwin ants and how to lay bait.
Ant identification
If you are wanting to identify the ants on your property, just put some ants (10 or more) into a tightly sealed jar, label it with your name, address and telephone number, and drop the sample off at the reception counter in your local Council office. If the ants on your property are identified as being Argentine or Darwin’s, let your immediate neighbours know, as the ants are likely to be on their properties as well, so baiting can be undertaken at the same time.
Baiting demonstration
If you and your neighbours would like a baiting demonstration, please identify a suitable venue (such as a front lawn on an infested property) and two or three dates that would suit and contact Alice McNatty at 027 626 2889 for a baiting demonstration. If you are unsure about laying the bait, or are physically unable to bait your property, get help from a friend, a family member or a capable neighbour.
Contact
If you have any queries about this letter or the information on the website, please contact Alice McNatty from TDC at 027 626 2889. Nelson City Council contracts pest management services out to Tasman District Council to cover the entire Nelson Tasman region.