Ants are one of the most common and persistent pests that invade homes and businesses in Auckland. They can contaminate food, damage property, and drive you up the wall every time they appear. At ALPHAPEST, we specialize in providing comprehensive Ant control services that eliminate these pests and prevent them from returning.
Understanding Ant Infestations
Ants can quickly become a major nuisance as they search for food and shelter. Different species of ants have unique behaviors and preferences, making it essential to accurately identify and target them for effective control – preventing your home from becoming their home…
Common Ant Species in Auckland:
- Argentine Ants: Known for forming huge colonies and invading homes. Argentine Ants are rated amongst the top 10 invasive species on Earth due to their ability to cooperate with each other to build super colonies with multiple Queens such as the colony spanning 100 km across Melbourne. Argentine Ants are reddish brown in colour and can often be seen moving in trails of five or more Ants wide that resemble the Southern Motorway at peak hour.
- Odorous House Ants: Emit a strong, unpleasant odor when crushed. Attracted to sweet foods like honey dew produced by aphids that the Ants will actually farm and protect along with sugary foods in the home.
- Black Garden Ants: Frequently found in gardens and inside buildings. In extreme cases nests have been found to contain upto 40,000 Ants and the Queen can even survive upto 29 years old!
- Coastal Brown Ant aka the Big Headed Ant: Believed to have originated in Africa and is listed amongst the 100 most invasive species on Earth. With a love of protein rich food sources and sandy soils, they are frequently found building huge colonies in coastal suburbs such as Piha, Onehunga and Waterview. Colonies can have multiple Queens with each Queen laying up to 10 eggs per day!
Signs of an Ant Infestation
Identifying an ant infestation early can help prevent it from spreading. Look out for these signs:
- Visible Trails: When an ant out scouting for food discovers a food source they create a pheromone trail from the food source to the nest for the other workers to follow. The better the food source – the stronger the pheromone trail, which is why you’ll often see trails of ants around the house.
- Nests: Ant nests can be found in various places, including lawns, walls, gardens and ceiling spaces. It’s often possible to find piles of dead ants and droppings underneath light fittings where the ants have tossed out their rubbish.
- Food Contamination: Finding ants in food storage areas along with pet food bowls is a clear sign of infestation.
- Soil Mounds: Small piles of dirt around your property may indicate nesting sites particularly around paving stones etc.
Why Choose Professional Ant Control
DIY methods may provide temporary relief but often fail to address the root of the problem and can often make the problem worse by splitting the colony and creating an issue known as “budding”. Here’s why ALPHAPEST’s professional ant control services are your best option:
- Comprehensive Inspections: We thoroughly inspect your property to identify the ant species and nesting sites.
- Targeted Treatments: Our treatments are designed to target specific ant species for maximum effectiveness.
- Preventive Measures: We provide strategies and solutions to prevent future ant infestations.
- Safe and Environmentally Friendly: Our methods are safe for your family, pets, and the environment.
OUR ANT CONTROL PROCESS
Comprehensive Property Inspection
Our experienced technicians inspect your property to determine the extent of the infestation and identify the ant species.
Customized Treatment Plan
Based on the inspection, we create a tailored treatment plan to effectively eliminate the ants.
Targeted Ant Extermination
We use a combination of baits, sprays, and other methods to eradicate the ant colonies.
Tips to Prevent Ant Infestations
In addition to professional treatment, here are some tips to help keep ants at bay:
- Keep It Clean: Regularly clean your kitchen and dining areas to remove food crumbs and spills. Remove protein rich food sources such as Cat food once your pet has finished eating.
- Seal Entry Points: Close off cracks and gaps where ants can enter your home or business.
- Store Food Properly: Keep food in sealed containers and dispose of garbage promptly.
- Remove Water Sources: Fix leaks and eliminate standing water to reduce attractants for ants.
- Maintain Your Yard: Keep your yard tidy and trim back vegetation that touches your house to prevent the ants from using the branches as a bridge around any spray treatments.
How long does it take to get rid of an ant infestation?
The time required depends on the size and severity of the infestation, but significant improvements can often be seen within a few weeks.
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What can I do to prevent ants from returning?
Regular cleaning, sealing entry points, and following our preventive advice can help keep ants away.
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Are the treatments safe for my family and pets?
Yes, ALPHAPEST uses safe and environmentally friendly treatments that are effective against ants but harmless to humans and pets.
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What should I do if I see ants after treatment?
Some Ants may still be active immediately after treatment as they come into contact with the insecticides. If the problem persists, contact us for additional support.
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Contact AlphaPest today and take the first step towards a pest-free environment.
Give us a call or fill in our online form to schedule your service.
Email lloyd@alphapest.co.nz
Phone 09 8180973
Mobile 021 02717963
Alphapest
Lynwood Road
New Lynn
