Understanding Ant Problems in New Zealand
Looking for reliable ant control NZ solutions? Ant infestations are one of the most common pest issues across the country. New Zealand’s warm, humid weather allows species like Argentine ants, black house ants, white-footed house ants, and Darwin ants to thrive in and around homes and workplaces.
Once ants discover a food source, they form long trails through kitchens, cupboards, and outdoor spaces — making it essential to implement effective control before colonies expand.
Ants are not only a nuisance but can also contaminate food and damage wiring or building structures. Some species, such as the Argentine ant, form massive “super colonies” that can overrun entire properties if left untreated.
How to Choose the Right Ant Killer
When planning your ant control NZ strategy, start by identifying the species and understanding the size of the infestation.
- Identify the ant species:
Different baits attract different ants — some prefer sugary baits, while others are drawn to protein or oil-based baits. - Assess the infestation level:
- Light infestations: Use a targeted ant bait so worker ants carry the poison back to the nest.
- Heavy infestations: Combine liquid baits, gel baits, and perimeter sprays to attack the colony from multiple angles.
- Choose the right treatment location:
- Indoors: Apply gel baits or bait stations that are safe around pets and children.
- Outdoors: Create a protective barrier with a long-lasting ant spray and place liquid baits near entry points for full coverage.
Our Recommended Ant Control Products
- Exterm-An-Ant Liquid Ant Bait – Arguably New Zealand’s most effective liquid ant bait. Designed to attract multiple species and destroy colonies at the source.
- Advion Ant Gel Bait – A professional-grade ant killer for NZ homes. Trusted by pest control experts nationwide, it’s ideal for precision placement in kitchens and high-traffic areas.
- Vanquish Argentine Ant Bait – Advanced bait that features both protein and carbohydrate to attract a broad range of ant species.
Why Choose Pestrol
- At Pestrol, we’ve been helping Kiwis protect their homes for over a decade with eco-friendly & commercial grade, proven pest control solutions. Our ant control NZ range includes baits, gels, and sprays that target infestations quickly, safely, and effectively — without harsh chemicals.
- Whether you’re dealing with a small trail of ants or a large-scale colony invasion, you’ll find everything you need right here to keep your property ant-free year-round.
- If you’re wondering how to get rid of ants in New Zealand, Pestrol has the complete solution — trusted by homeowners and professionals alike.
Shop Pestrol’s full range of Ant Control Products today and take back control of your space!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ants
Advion Ant Gel 30gView product
FAQs
How do I apply Advion Ant gel bait?
Advion Ant gel bait is labeled for crack-and-crevice applications indoors, as well as applications to entry points outdoors. The blue cap should be removed from the syringe prior to application. If desired, the blue applicator tip included in the package may be used to apply the gel in smaller cracks and crevices. A small dot or line of gel is sufficient for these applications. Bait may also be applied in a commercially available refillable bait station.
Why isn't Advion Ant gel bait working?
Advion Ant gel bait works on many species of protein-feeding ants, oil-feeding ants and sweet-feeding ants. However, the degree of success can be influenced by time of year, which can directly influence ant-feeding preferences. Depending on what the ant colony needs (proteins, lipids or carbohydrates) at the time, the foraging ants can switch their feeding targets.
If ants aren't immediately responding to the bait, we recommend using another ant bait like Optigard® Ant gel bait or Advion Ant bait arena, which provide different types of nutrients and attractants. It is also recommended to follow these best practices:
Ensure the gel bait has not been contaminated by repellent insecticides, dirt, nicotine, gasoline or other contaminants
Place gel bait as close to active ant foraging trails as possible
Apply appropriate quantities of gel bait to control the infestation
If ants are consuming all the bait, but ant activity continues, additional bait and/or other formulations should be considered
Reduce or remove competing food sources, such as pet food
What is the shelf life of Advion Ant gel bait?
The shelf life of any product is largely dependent upon storage conditions. Ideal storage conditions are indoors with minimal temperature and humidity fluctuations. In these conditions, Advion Ant gel bait can last up to five years.
What types of ants does ADVION® Ant Gel control?
It targets Black house ants, Argentine ants, Pharaoh ants, Crazy ants, Pavement ants, and Red imported fire ants.
How long does it take to see results?
You can expect a significant reduction in ant activity within just a few days of application.
How does ADVION® Ant Gel work?
The gel contains Indoxacarb, which allows ants to carry the bait back to the nest, spreading it through the colony and killing the queen.
Is the gel safe to use indoors?
Yes, ADVION® Ant Gel is safe for indoor use when applied as directed and kept out of reach of children and pets.
Can I use it outdoors?
Yes, it can be used outdoors in protected areas where ants are present.
Do ants avoid the gel?
No, it’s a non-repellent formula, so ants readily consume and spread it throughout the colony.
Dust 2 DustView product
FAQs
What pests does Dust2Dust control?
Dust2Dust controls ants, cockroaches, fleas, bedbugs, silverfish, carpet beetles, wasps, and many more common household pests.
Is Dust2Dust ready to use?
Yes, Dust2Dust comes ready to use and requires no dilution. Simply apply the dust directly to affected areas.
Can Dust2Dust be used in electrical appliances?
Yes, Dust2Dust is ideal for use in electrical appliances and other hard-to-reach areas, thanks to its fine, non-clogging powder.
How do I apply Dust2Dust?
Dust2Dust can be applied with a puffer or bellows to reach cracks, crevices, and cavities. It’s easy to use and spreads smoothly.
Is Dust2Dust safe for pets and children?
When used as directed, Dust2Dust is safe for pets and children once the treated areas have settled and dust is no longer airborne.
What sizes are available?
Dust2Dust is available in two convenient sizes: 2kg and 10kg buckets.
How long does Dust2Dust remain effective?
Dust2Dust provides long-term control, but its effectiveness may vary depending on environmental conditions and pest activity. Regular reapplication may be necessary.
Exterm-an-ant | Ant KillerView product
FAQs
What is the active ingredient in Exterm-an-ant?
The active ingredient is Boric Acid
What is the best ant killer in New Zealand?
Exterm-an-Ant works against most ant species in New Zealand, including Argentinian and Darwin ants, making it a reliable choice for thorough and lasting ant control. It is the most popular and most cost effective ant bait in New Zealand for killing ant colonies.
Is Exterm-an-Ant safe to use indoors?
Yes, Exterm-an-Ant is odourless and discreet, making it ideal for use indoors. Ensure to place it in areas where ants frequent.
How should I apply Exterm-an-Ant?
Shake the bottle well, then pour 4-5 mL into a shallow dish or bait station and place it near ant trails or infested areas.
How often should I reapply Exterm-an-Ant?
For best results, check and rebait every 4-6 weeks to ensure you address any new ants from eggs.
Can Exterm-an-Ant be used for all ant species?
Yes, Exterm-an-Ant works against most ant species in New Zealand, including Argentinian and Darwin ants.
What should I avoid when using Exterm-an-Ant?
Avoid using fly or barrier sprays near the bait, as they may prevent ants from taking the poison back to the nest.
How long does it take to see results with Exterm-an-Ant?
Ants usually die within 24-48 hours of consuming the bait, depending on the size of the infestation.
Can I use Exterm-an-Ant outside?
Yes, place the bait around your building’s exterior or in heavily infested outdoor areas to tackle outdoor ant problems.
How do I ensure the bait is effective?
Remove other food sources to ensure ants are attracted to the bait and not distracted by other options.
Home Run Insecticide | 1LView product
FAQs
What pests does Home Run control?
Home Run effectively controls ants, cockroaches, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, spiders, silverfish, and carpet beetles.
How does Home Run work?
Home Run provides knockdown, residual, and repellent activity, killing pests on contact and preventing future infestations.
Is Home Run safe to use indoors?
Yes, Home Run is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use in domestic, industrial, and public health areas when used as directed.
How long does the residual effect last?
Home Run provides long-lasting residual activity, keeping pests away for an extended period, depending on environmental conditions.
Can I use Home Run on all surfaces?
Yes, Home Run works on most surfaces, including unpainted brick, concrete, timber, and fibrous cement, with improved performance on porous surfaces.
How should Home Run be applied?
Follow the instructions on the label for proper dilution and application methods. Always ensure the area is well-ventilated during use.
Is Home Run harmful to pets or humans?
When used according to the label instructions, Home Run is safe. Keep treated areas well-ventilated and avoid direct contact with the spray.
How should I store Home Run Insecticide?
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets.
Pestrol Ultra Automatic Insect Control System | 150gView product
FAQs
What does the flashing red light mean?
If you're seeing a flashing red light on the Ultra Premium Dispenser, this will indicate that the batteries in the dispenser need to be replaced.
Does the spray leave residue on floors and kitchen doors?
When using our Ultra Pyrethrin spray in our dispensers like the Pestrol Ultra Dispenser, if left too low to the ground or too close to adjacent surfaces in an unventilated room, the mist might not disperse properly and can leave a slight residue behind.
This can be cleaned with a bit of bicarb soda and warm water, but we elevating the unit at least 2 metres off the ground if it has been leaving a residue behind
Is this safe to be used around pets?
Yes, Pyrethrins are derived from the Chrysanthemum flower therefore safe for people and your pets. They quickly bio-degrade in sunlight and leave no residues. We support our local Kiwi growers for this active ingredient.
How does the Pestrol Ultra Automatic Insect Control System work?
The system releases a fine mist of insect killer at set intervals to control flies, mosquitoes, and other flying insects. It can be programmed to suit your needs.
Is the product easy to install?
Yes, the unit can be placed on a shelf or mounted on a wall. It’s easy to set up, with simple programming and setup instructions.
What is the warranty on the Pestrol Ultra?
The Pestrol Ultra comes with a 12-month warranty, ensuring its quality and reliability.
Vanquish Argentine Ant BaitView product
FAQs
Can Vanquish be used indoors?
NO! Baiting is only necessary outside as it will draw all ants to it.
How long does it take to work?
You might start to see a reduction in ant activity within a few days to a week. However, it can take several weeks to eradicate the entire colony.
How do I use Vanquish Pro Ant Bait?
Application: Apply the bait in cracks, crevices, and shady areas where ants are seen. You can use a caulking gun to dispense the bait.
How much bait to use: The amount of bait you need depends on the size and density of the ant population. You should bait the entire area you want to treat in one go.
How often to reapply: You may need to reapply the bait after 6–8 weeks to kill any remaining ants.
How long do you have to keep animals/kids away from Vanquish treated areas?
Keep other animals away from the treatment area for at least four hours. Ideally 24 hours.
Vanquish Premium Sentry Ant Bait StationView product
FAQs
How does Vanquish Sentry Ant Bait work?
The bait contains fipronil, a slow-acting insecticide. Ants carry it back to the nest, eliminating the entire colony.
Which ant species does it control?
It targets nuisance ants including black house ants, Argentine ants, big-headed ants, white-footed house ants, Darwin’s ants, and more.
Where should I place the bait stations?
Near ant trails or entry points—inside cupboards, under appliances, along skirting boards, or outside near nest activity.
How many stations do I need?
Place 1–4 stations depending on infestation size. Use more for larger or hard-to-reach infestations.
Can I use this around pets and children?
Yes, but place stations in areas inaccessible to pets and children. Do not apply on food surfaces.
How long does it take to see results?
You may begin to see reduced activity in a few days. Full colony control may take up to 7–10 days.
Do I need to replace the stations?
Yes. If ants return, replace stations after 1 month to maintain control and prevent bait aversion.
Customer Reviews About Ants
Weren’t too sure about it but the reviews were pretty good so we bought it and heap it’s pretty good
Recommend it
This stuff is a miracle! I had 4 ant nests in the ceiling of my house that I didn't know about until the ants came to eat this. Wiped out entire nest in one afternoon! It's been a couple of months and haven't seen an ant since! Only wish I'd known about this sooner.
Great product,hard to find
Thanks for your help.
Great value
Great product




















