Argentine Ants

The Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) is one of the world's most invasive and problematic ant species.

It is native to Argentina and Brazil, but has now been discovered in New Zealand – in urban areas, horticultural regions, near ports and on an important conservation island.

Forest and Bird's Campaign

We believe that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry should respond to this potentially serious threat by declaring the Argentine ant an unwanted organism under the Biosecurity Act and developing a National Pest Management Strategy.

Ongoing nationwide monitoring is needed to detect where the ants are present, and isolated infestations should be eradicated before they have the chance to spread.
Baiting operations and ongoing monitoring are needed at the Auckland “epicentres” (e.g. plant nurseries and carparks in heavily infested areas) to prevent further spread of Argentine ants to other regions.

Baiting operations are needed at other Auckland problem sites (e.g. landfills and reserves) and public education is required on what to do and who to contact about Argentine ants.

Achievements

Forest & Bird has raised public awareness about Argentine ants and has worked with industry groups, government departments, local authorities and political parties to improve controls. Its lobbying has helped secure funding for research and control of Argentine ants.

What you can do

Go to Biosecurity NZ for information on what to do if you discover Argentine ants in your area.
For more information on Argentine ants check out our Fact Sheet
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This page was updated on 11 March, 2008