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Ants Gone - Survey Results
The “Ants gone” survey was undertaken to find out more about urban ant baiting practices. The points of most interest to residents are summarised below:
• The motivated baiters have been the ones who provided feedback. 94% of respondents had baited within the last 12 months. We had previously estimated that the proportion of landowners who have been baiting is probably around 75%, based on bait sales. A range of baits are being used; 57% used Xstinguish, 32% used Advion gel, 8% used Advion Arenas, and 3% used other products.
• Most of those who baited were using one type of bait (85%); the other 15% were using more than one type of bait, presumably to increase baiting effectiveness.
• Only one-third of respondents reported achieving effective control after four weeks, with 59% achieving limited control and 7% reporting no effective control.
• Baiting is being undertaken over a much longer period of time than expected. 30% had baited prior to Christmas, 47% during January and February and 23% from March onwards.
• A small proportion of Xstinguish users (11%) reported problems with the bait being too runny.
• A majority of baiters (60%) had coordinated baiting with their neighbours
• A significant proportion of respondents (19%) reported that neighbours or landlords didn’t bait. They indicated a high level of frustration because of the likelihood of reinfestation within 6 – 12 months.
Tasman District Council has agreed to set up a joint committee with Nelson City Council to review the Regional Pest Management Strategy rules about Argentine and Darwin’s ants later this year and will be considering the results from the survey and the comments that have been provided, along with lot of other material and advice from experts.
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