Ants are remarkable creatures, making up an incredible 20% of the Earth’s biomass. With an estimated population of 20 quadrillion ants—equivalent to 2.5 million ants per person—it’s no wonder they’re so common in our daily lives. Almost everyone has had an encounter with ants, whether it’s a swarm of tiny black ants feasting on leftover food or a stray ant crawling up your leg while you’re out in the garden. If you have a backyard or garden, you almost certainly have ants nearby.

Fortunately, in New Zealand, we don’t have any ants that pose a significant risk to humans, unlike some of the nastier species found overseas. However, some ants can still be a nuisance, especially indoors.

Common Ants We Deal With in Wellington

Argentine Ant

• Highly aggressive and territorial, Argentine ants are a significant nuisance.
• They can bite humans, leaving an itchy spot, but their true problem is their ability to form supercolonies.
• These ants are relatively large, with pale legs, a light brown abdomen, and a brown head and body.

Black House Ant

• The most common ant found indoors, these tiny black ants are scavengers.
• They swarm leftovers and any food left out, often appearing in large numbers.
• Black house ants can spread salmonella, so controlling them is essential for food safety.

Fire Ant

• Fire ants are red with black eyes and can grow up to 5mm tall.
• They build nests with entrance mounds that can reach 400mm in height.
• While not widespread in New Zealand, they can be problematic if they invade.

Why Ants Are a Problem

Ants are a frequent pest in homes, particularly when sweet foods are left out. Once they invade, they often appear in the hundreds, contaminating food and surfaces. It’s best to discard any food ants have come into contact with, as they may introduce harmful bacteria.

Our Approach to Ant Control

At Total Pest Control, we take a thorough approach to eliminate ants and prevent their return:

1. Locate the Source: Identify and destroy the nest.
2. Inspect the Home: Check the entire property for entry points that ants might be using.
3. Apply Treatments: Place bait traps, spray the exterior boundary of the house, and treat affected areas.
4. Clean Up: Remove any dead ants and sanitize the affected spaces.
5. Follow Up: Reassess the property to ensure the ants are completely eradicated and no new colonies have formed.

With our proven methods, you can enjoy an ant-free home. Whether the issue is a small infestation or a persistent problem, our team is equipped to provide long-lasting results.

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