Tēnā koutou Rakino Residents,
We are writing to inform you that Darwin’s ants have been detected on Rakino Island.
Like the closely related Argentine ant, Darwin’s ants are classified as one of the world’s most invasive species. They have become a common pest in parts of New Zealand however this species was unknown on pest free Rakino Island up until now.
Darwin ants are a declared pest under the Auckland Regional Pest Management Plan and are a Hauraki Gulf controlled area — exclusion species.
Auckland Council intend to respond quickly to this incursion by monitoring and treating the area on the map below (this is from the Wharf toilets extending approximately 75m up South Pacific Road) to control the infestation.
This treatment work is expected to occur between the 8th and 9th of December and may require access to vehicles. We ask you to contact us if you have a vehicle currently parked in this area and discourage you from moving it until this treatment has been completed.
Further surveillance work will occur after this date, and we ask all residents to remain on the look- out for this pest and contact us if you suspect you have come across them.
Darwin’s ants are small (2-5 mm) with a light brown body and gives off a strong citrus odour when crushed. Any honey coloured to brown ants matching this description should be reported.
These ants are a problem as they compete with native species for food, promote high densities of aphids and scale insects which can damage plants and can interfere with pest plant biocontrol.
Similarly to Argentine ants, Darwin’s ants quickly over-run your property and impact your enjoyment of outdoor areas.
We remind all residents and visitors coming to Rakino to please check for pests including ants before moving any materials especially potted plants. If you’re planning to do some planting on the island, ideally find plants that were grown on-island. If you do have to bring plants from off-island, make sure they’ve been sourced from a supplier who is accredited with the Plant Producers Biosecurity Scheme to reduce the risk of hitchhiker pests.
Alternatively, bare root your plants, dunk them in water thoroughly, or repot them with completely new potting mix 24 hours before you leave. Check camping gear, garden soil, bark, building materials, vehicles and vessels for ants before transporting them.
If you suspect you have them on your property, collect some ant samples in a jar or pottle with a secure lid. You can lure Darwin’s ants by placing a small amount of peanut butter and half a teaspoon of sugar in the jar and leave out for two hours. Once collected place in a zip lock bag with you name contact details and address and contact us so we can arrange collection and confirmation of the specimen.
For more information on Darwin’s ants and how to avoid spreading them, please visit Darwin’s ant (tiakitamakimakaurau.nz).
To report a pest or discuss this programme please contact Auckland Councils Islands team manager via email JonathanMiles@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or phone 021937675.
Thank you for your support in helping to keep Rakino pest free.
Ngā mihi nui
Auckland Council- Environmental Services- Pathways and Islands Team.
Author: Simon
Part-time rock dweller
