TL;DR: A few ants can be handled at home, but constant trails, a nest indoors, or ants that return within days of spraying are signs you need professional ant control in Auckland. Treating the nest is the only way to stop them for good.

Ants are one of the most common pests in Auckland homes, especially in the warmer months. A short trail across the bench is normal, but a steady stream that keeps coming back is a sign of something bigger.

So how do you know when it is time to call in the professionals? In this guide you will learn the warning signs, why sprays often fail, and when ant control is worth it.

Signs You Need Professional Ant Control

Watch for these signs that a colony has settled in and DIY is no longer enough.

• Ant trails that return within a day or two of cleaning or spraying
• Ants appearing in more than one room
• A nest indoors, such as in wall cavities, under floors, or in pot plants
• Winged ants inside, which can mean a nest is nearby
• Large numbers around food, bins, or pet bowls

Why Ant Sprays Often Fail

Shop sprays kill the ants you can see, but they do nothing to the nest. The colony and its queen keep producing new ants, so the trail is back within days.

Some sprays make things worse. Certain ant types split their colony when threatened, which can turn one nest into several. This is why the problem can seem to spread after you spray.

How Professional Ant Control Works

Professional ant control in Auckland targets the nest itself, not just the trail. This clears the colony at the source, so the ants do not simply return.

Our pest control service treats ants alongside other crawling insects in a single visit, so you deal with one call-out rather than several. Treatment is applied safely around kitchens, children, and pets.

Ajet Services has treated ant problems across Auckland for 35 years, with a fast response and long-lasting results.

Further reading: Ant Pest Control in Auckland: Why Ants Keep Coming Back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are a few ants a problem?

A small trail is common and often easy to manage. Constant trails or ants in several rooms suggest a nest that needs professional treatment.

Why do ants keep coming back after I spray?

Sprays only kill visible ants. The nest and queen stay active, so new ants keep appearing until the colony itself is treated.

Are sugar ants harmful?

Sugar ants are mostly a nuisance, but they contaminate food and can enter in large numbers, so it is worth clearing them properly.

Is ant treatment safe for pets and children?

Yes. Professional treatment is applied with safety in mind, and your technician will advise on anything you need to do during the visit.

Ants keep coming back? Get a professional pest control quote from Ajet Services.

For an Auckland business, one pest sighting can cost far more than the pest itself. A cockroach in a cafe, a mouse in a warehouse or flies in a commercial kitchen can undo years of good reviews in an afternoon and put your food safety and health and safety obligations at risk.

That is why many businesses move from one-off call-outs to a planned programme. In this post, you’ll learn why one-off treatments fall short for businesses, what ongoing pest management includes, which sites need it most, and what to expect from a commercial plan.

Why One-Off Treatments Fall Short

A single treatment clears the pests you have today. It does nothing to stop the next ones arriving. Businesses face steady pressure from deliveries, customers coming and going, doors propped open and waste building up out the back. Every one of those is a way in.

Pests also tend to be noticed late in a busy workplace. Staff are focused on their jobs, early signs such as droppings behind equipment are easy to miss, and by the time someone sees a pest out in the open, the problem is usually well established. A reactive approach means you are always one step behind.

Ongoing pest management turns that around. Regular visits catch activity early, while it is still small and cheaper to deal with, and protection stays in place between visits.

The Real Cost of a Pest Problem

Treatment is usually the smallest cost of an outbreak. The bigger costs come from what the pests cause:

• Lost customers and damage to your reputation, especially once a sighting ends up in an online review
• Failed food safety checks or health and safety audits
• Stock that is contaminated, chewed or has to be thrown out
• Damage to wiring, packaging and fittings from rodents
• Time lost by managers and staff dealing with the outbreak

Against those risks, a regular programme is a predictable cost you can plan for.

What Ongoing Pest Management Includes

A good programme is built around your site, your industry and your level of risk. Ajet Services’ commercial pest control uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. In plain terms, that means regular inspections, monitoring, targeted treatment where it is needed, and advice on the things that draw pests in, such as how waste is stored, gaps in the building, or where stock is kept.

Records matter just as much as treatment. Ajet Services’ PMANZ-accredited technicians provide detailed reporting and documentation designed to meet MPI and council requirements, so you have what you need when an auditor or inspector asks. [CONFIRM: what a typical service report includes, for example a site map, bait station log, findings and actions taken]

Programmes cover the pests businesses see most, including rodents, cockroaches, flies, ants, wasps, bed bugs and fleas. How often a technician visits depends on your site. [CONFIRM: typical visit frequency Ajet recommends, for example monthly for food businesses and less often for low-risk offices] Ajet Services also provides emergency pest control for commercial properties when something urgent comes up between scheduled visits. A little preparation helps each treatment work well, and our pest treatment preparation guide explains what to do before and after a visit.

Which Businesses Benefit Most

Any business can benefit, but the risk is highest wherever food, waste and people come together. That includes cafes, restaurants and commercial kitchens, food manufacturing and storage, aged care facilities, retail stores, warehouses, and property managers looking after buildings with several tenants. For food businesses in particular, pest control is part of meeting food safety requirements, not an optional extra.

Offices and lower-risk sites still benefit from regular checks, just less often. A shared kitchen, a staff room or a bin area can be enough to attract cockroaches or rodents. Our post on cockroach control in Auckland explains why cockroaches are so hard to clear once they settle into a kitchen.

Ajet Services has protected Auckland businesses for 35 years, across South Auckland, East Auckland, Auckland Central, the North Shore and West Auckland. Because the same team also handles commercial carpet cleaning, one provider can look after pest control and cleaning for your premises.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a business have pest control?

It depends on your site and your risk. Food and hospitality businesses usually need more frequent visits than offices. Your technician will recommend a schedule after the first inspection.

Is commercial pest control worth the cost?

A planned programme usually costs far less than a shutdown, a failed inspection or the customers you lose after an outbreak.

Do you provide records for compliance?

Yes. Ongoing programmes include detailed reporting and documentation to help you meet MPI and council requirements.

Will treatment disrupt my business?

Visits are arranged with you in advance so they fit around how your business runs. [CONFIRM: whether visits can be booked before or after opening hours]

Key Takeaways

• One-off treatments clear today’s pests but do nothing to stop the next wave.
• Regular inspections catch problems early, when they are smaller and cheaper to fix.
• Good records help you meet MPI and council requirements at audit time.
• Food, hospitality, aged care and retail sites carry the highest risk and benefit most.

Want to protect your business all year? Call Ajet Services on 0800 862 538, or request a free commercial pest control quote online.

Some problems cannot wait for next week’s booking. A burst pipe flooding the lounge or rats running through a restaurant kitchen needs help fast, before the damage spreads and the cost climbs.

Knowing what to expect takes some of the stress out of a bad day. In this post, you’ll learn what counts as an emergency, what happens from the moment you call, how to get ready while you wait, and what follow-up to expect.

When You Need an Emergency Call-Out

Not every problem is urgent, but some clearly cannot wait for a standard booking.

• A sudden flood or burst pipe soaking carpets, furniture or walls
• A serious pest outbreak in a home, kitchen or food business
• A wasp nest near a doorway, deck or play area
• Pests that pose a health or safety risk to your family, tenants or staff
• Any problem that could force a business to close

If you are not sure whether it counts, call and describe what you are seeing. The team can tell you whether it needs an urgent visit or can safely wait for a standard booking.

What Happens During an Emergency Call-Out

A good emergency service moves quickly but stays thorough. Most call-outs follow the same four steps.

1. The call. You explain what has happened, where, when it started, and whether it is a home or a business. Photos help, so the team knows what equipment to bring.

2. Arrival and assessment. A technician checks how big the problem is. For a flood, that means finding the source of the water, how far it has spread, and how much moisture is hiding under floors and in walls. For pests, it means working out which pest it is, where it is active and how established it is.

3. Immediate action. For a flood, water is extracted and drying equipment is set up straight away. For pests, targeted treatment starts to bring numbers down and protect food areas, and you are told which areas to keep clear.

4. Next steps. Before leaving, the technician explains what comes next. That might be return visits to monitor drying, a mould check, a follow-up pest treatment to catch anything that hatches later, or reports for your insurer.

How to Be Ready

A few simple steps help the call-out go smoothly and keep everyone safe while you wait.

• Keep people and pets away from the affected area
• For floods, turn off the power at the mains if water is near sockets or wiring
• Take photos of the damage or any pests you have seen
• Note when the problem started and what you have noticed since
• Hold off on store-bought sprays, which can scatter some pests and make them harder to find
• Clear easy access to the area if it is safe to do so

Our pest treatment preparation guide has more detail on getting a room ready for treatment and what to do afterwards.

Fast Help When You Need It

Ajet Services’ flood recovery team provides a 24/7 emergency response across Auckland, including weekends and public holidays, with truck-mounted extraction and professional drying equipment. For pests, the Ajet Services pest control team handles urgent call-outs for homes, and businesses on a commercial pest control plan can get emergency help between scheduled visits. [CONFIRM: pest control emergency hours, as the commercial page says pest control is not a 24-hour service]

Because Ajet Services covers pest control, flood recovery, decontamination and carpet cleaning, one call can sort out the whole job. With 35 years of experience across South Auckland, East Auckland, Auckland Central, the North Shore and West Auckland, you are in safe hands when it matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can Ajet Services respond?

Flood recovery is available 24/7. Exact arrival times depend on where you are and how busy the team is, so call to get the latest timing. [CONFIRM: typical emergency response time Ajet is happy to publish]

Is emergency pest control available 24/7?

The 24/7 service is for flood recovery. Urgent pest problems are booked in as quickly as possible. [CONFIRM: pest control emergency hours]

Do you handle both pests and flood recovery?

Yes. Ajet Services covers pest control and flood recovery across Auckland, so you have one trusted team for urgent jobs.

Key Takeaways

• Floods, burst pipes and serious pest outbreaks in homes or food businesses usually need an urgent call-out.
• Give as much detail as you can when you call, including photos, so the technician arrives ready.
• Turn off the power near floodwater and keep people and pets away from the affected area.
• Flood recovery is available 24/7, and urgent pest problems are booked in as fast as possible.
• Expect a clear plan for follow-up, from drying checks to repeat treatments.

Need urgent help now? Call Ajet Services on 0800 862 538. For anything less urgent, request a quote online.

TL;DR: Ant pest control fails when treatment only kills the ants you can see. Sprays wipe out the visible trail, but the nest and its queen stay untouched, so the colony rebuilds within days. Professional treatment targets the nest itself, not just the trail on your bench.

Ant pest control that only targets the ants you can see rarely fixes the problem for long. You spray the line crossing your kitchen bench, the ants vanish for a few days, then they reappear in the exact same spot.

For many Auckland homeowners, this cycle repeats for weeks or months. Every can of spray costs money, and the ants always find their way back in.

In this post, you’ll learn why DIY ant treatments often fail, what draws ants into Auckland homes, and when it makes sense to call a professional pest control team.

Why DIY Ant Sprays Often Fail

The ants walking across your bench are worker ants. They make up a small part of a much larger colony living somewhere else, often outside near a foundation, garden bed, or wall cavity. Killing the workers you can see does nothing to the nest itself.

Ants also leave scent trails so other workers can follow the same path to a food source. Wiping the surface removes the ants but not always the full trail, so more workers often turn up within a day or two.

Store-bought sprays can also scatter a colony rather than remove it. If the spray disturbs the nest without killing it, some ant species will split into smaller colonies nearby, which can make the problem harder to solve, not easier. Argentine ants, one of the more established invasive ant species in parts of New Zealand, are known for this kind of colony splitting, which is one reason biosecurity agencies like the Ministry for Primary Industries monitor their spread.

What Draws Ants Into Auckland Homes

Ants search for two things, food and moisture. Auckland’s mix of older villas and homes close to gardens or reserves gives ants easy access through small gaps around windows, pipes, and foundations.

Crumbs left on benches, uncovered pet food, and damp areas under sinks are common reasons ants keep returning to the same rooms. Removing these food sources helps, but it will not solve an established nest on its own.

Signs You Need Professional Ant Control

• Ants return within days of spraying, even after cleaning up food sources
• Trails appear in more than one room at the same time
• You notice a nest or mound outside near the foundation or paving
• The problem gets worse after rain, when ants move indoors seeking dry ground

How Ajet Services Treats Ant Infestations

Professional ant treatment targets the nest, not just the trail you can see. This means the problem is addressed at the source rather than being pushed further into the wall cavity or garden.

Ajet Services has treated ant infestations across Auckland homes and businesses for 35 years. Every treatment is applied with health and safety in mind, so it is safe for family, pets, and staff once it has dried. If ants are turning up alongside other pests, our pest control service covers the full range of common Auckland pests in one visit. If a tenancy handover also means your carpets need attention, our carpet cleaning team can help at the same time.

What to Do Next

A few simple habits reduce how often ants show up in the first place, but an established nest usually needs professional treatment to fully clear.

• Clean up crumbs, spills, and pet food straight after eating
• Seal visible gaps around windows, pipes, and foundations where you can
• Avoid disturbing an outdoor nest yourself, as this can cause it to split and spread
• Book a professional inspection if ants keep returning despite regular cleaning

Further reading: How to Prevent Common Summer Pests in Auckland and Bees vs Wasps vs Hornets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ants dangerous in New Zealand homes?

Most ants found in New Zealand homes are a nuisance rather than a health risk. They can still contaminate food and surfaces as they forage, so an infestation is still worth treating properly.

Can I treat an ant infestation myself?

Store-bought sprays can reduce ants in the short term, but they rarely reach the nest itself. If ants keep returning after a few weeks of DIY treatment, the colony is likely still intact.

How long does professional ant treatment take to work?

Most Auckland homes see a noticeable drop in ant activity within a few days of treatment, with the problem fully resolved within a couple of weeks as the colony is eliminated.

Is ant treatment safe for pets and children?

Yes. Professional treatments are applied following strict safety guidelines and are safe for family and pets once dry. Your technician will confirm exactly when it’s safe to return to treated areas.

Tired of ants coming back? Get a professional pest control quote from Ajet Services.

Knowing the difference is key to protecting pollinators and supporting biosecurity. Recently, Stuff noted that nearly 10,000 sightings of yellow-legged hornets were reported on Auckland’s North Shore, with the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) urgently collecting this information from the community as part of efforts to detect and eliminate invasive hornets. 

Being able to spot the difference between bees, wasps and hornets will help you to understand when a beekeeper should be called to relocate bees, get wasp specialists in to treat growing nests, and know when to report a potential invasive species sighting to MPI.

Bees – Nature’s Essential Pollinators

• Fuzzy round bodies designed to carry pollen.
• Short wings, with thick legs
• Feed on nectar and pollen.
• Some live in colonies, others are solitary native bees.
• Vital for pollinating plants and crops.

Because bees are essential pollinators, when bee swarms, colonies or nests are found, our recommended approach is safe relocation by beekeepers. This helps protect bees’ critical ecological role.

Wasps – Predators and Scavengers

• Smooth/shiny narrow bodies with distinct “waists”. 
• Bright and defined yellow/black patterns.
• Some are solitary, some social.
• Many are predatory, capturing other insects to feed their larvae. 

In urban settings, wasps can quickly become a nuisance. While they are part of the ecosystem and can even help control pest insects, they are not the pollination champions that bees are. They’re also a pest, with colonies that can grow to significantly sizes if not treated. 

Yellow-Legged Hornet

• Bigger than wasps and bees, with distinctive dark legs with bright yellow tips. 
• Predatory, including preying on bees.

In New Zealand, the yellow-legged hornet is an invasive species that poses a threat to local ecosystems and the health of honeybees and wild bees. Accurate reporting to MPI helps authorities detect and eliminate nests.

Why it matters

Understanding the difference between bees, wasps and hornets is more than just insect trivia – it’s a matter of environmental responsibility, conservation and community biosecurity. 

If you’re unsure what insect you’ve seen, take a clear photo and report it to MPI for identification. In areas like Auckland’s North Shore, where invasive hornets have been reported in large numbers, accurate identification and reporting to MPI can make a real difference in protecting New Zealand’s native ecosystems and agricultural pollinators. 

If you have a wasp nest to be taken care of, call our wasp specialists today before they take over! 

Read the full Stuff article here.

If you’ve spotted a wasp buzzing around your property, it’s important to get on top of it before it becomes a serious problem. 

This guide will walk you through how to get rid of wasps from your property.

Is It A Wasp or Bee?

Bees are an incredibly important part of nature, so we take a lot of care to make sure they are not mistaken for wasps. Generally, you can tell the difference between a wasp and a bee from its colour. Wasps have distinctive yellow and black bands of colour. Bees are more non-descript brown to brownish yellow colour, while our native bees tend to be black in colour. 

Our best recommendation, only if you can do it safely, is to take a photo and send it to us. If you have bees, we recommend that you contact a local beekeeper in Auckland. They will try to remove the bee swarm safely without harming the bees. 

Identifying The Type Of Wasp

The approach to wasp control will slightly differ depending on which wasps you are dealing with. In New Zealand we have four different species: The German, the Common, the Australian and the Asian paper wasp. 

German and Common wasp:

New Zealand has some of the highest rates of German and common wasps in the world per square kilometre. The reasons for this are that they have no natural predators, and the weather conditions are often mild enough for them to survive year-round. 

In fact, the largest wasp nest ever recorded was found in Waimauku (near Auckland) which was recorded at 3.75m tall and 1.7m wide. This size nest would have held over 100,000 thousand wasps.  

In appearance, they have very similar characteristics with bright black and yellow stripes. Both species are aggressive towards humans and are known to rapidly sting if they feel trapped or feel you are a threat towards their nest.

Both species typically build their nest underground but are also known to build nests in roof space, wall voids and eaves.

We recommend taking extra precautions when dealing with German and Common wasps as they are typically more aggressive than the Australian or Asian paper wasps. 

Australian and Asian paper wasp:

The Australian and Asian paper wasps tend to be more docile and less dangerous than the German and common wasps. They are both similar in behaviour, nest structure and size. 

Australian wasps are confined to the North Island and are easily identifiable with orange and brown stripes. Asian paper wasps on the other hand are found throughout New Zealand and are often mistaken for the German or common wasp because of their yellow and black colouration. 

By first identifying the type of wasp you’re dealing with, it will help you determine the best course of action for removal.

Signs Of A Wasp Infestation

Once you’ve identified the species of wasps you’re dealing with, it’s important to search for signs of where the nest may be. Common places to search are roof spaces, wall voids, eaves, trees, hedges or other shrubbery, and under compost heaps. German and common wasp nests can be hard to find as they are normally underground. One trick is to try and follow the wasp back to its nest. They will typically not fly further than 200m from its nest which can help you narrow the search area. When you find a wasp nest, keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing the nest as wasps can become aggress quickly. 

How To Get Rid Of A Wasps Nest

If you have a wasp infestation on your property, a professional pest control company can safely and effectively treat the nest using specialist equipment and products. Getting rid of a wasp nest can often seem like an easy job until the aggravated wasps start swarming you. That’s why we don’t recommend that you try to sort out the problem yourself. Give Ajet Services Pest Control a call so we can do the hard (and dangerous) work for you. 

We need to see the nest and be able to access it safely to effectively treat it. Otherwise, we can’t guarantee the wasp nest has been saturated enough to destroy it. For safety reasons our technicians won’t climb onto your roof, go inside the ceiling cavity, or climb under the house. We use a range of specialist equipment such as extendable wands and space dusters/misters that can help us to reach hard-to-access areas where you suspect a nest may be located.  

How To Prevention Wasps Nests

Prevention is the best way to avoid a wasp infestation on your property. Here are some of our top tips to help prevent wasps from setting up shop on your property: 

• Seal up entry points: Wasps often enter your home through small cracks which lead inside. Seal all entry points with caulk to stop wasps from getting inside your home and having the opportunity to create a nest. 
• Keep food covered: Wasps are attracted to sugary foods, such as fruit, baked goods and fizzing drinks. Avoid leaving these types of foods and drinks out in the open. 
• Maintain a clean outdoor area: A messy outdoor area provides the perfect environment for wasps to set up a nest. Try to remove any clutter, debris or rubbish from your property. 
• Use wasp-repellent plants. Try planting mint, basil, and geranium as they have been known to repel wasps.
• Keep vigilant: It’s impossible to completely remove wasps from your property, so keep an eye out for nests. In spring check common areas such as roof spaces, wall voids, eaves and under compost heaps for signs of new nests. As soon as you see signs of wasps creating a new nest get rid of it before it has a chance to turn into a serious problem. 
• Essential oils: Certain oils such as peppermint are an effective repellent. Apply peppermint oil to places you’ve noticed wasp activity to help deter them. 

Getting rid of a wasp nest can be a daunting task. If you’re dealing with a wasp infestation, give us a free call at 0800 862 538 to book a wasp nest treatment today.

Remember, wasp stings can be dangerous, especially for those who are allergic. If you or someone you know experiences a severe allergic reaction to a wasp sting, seek medical attention immediately.

Below is a list of tips to ensure your pets are happy and safe during and after your next pest control treatment. 

Tell your provider 

If you have a pet, tell your provider when you book your pest control service, as they may need to tailor the treatment. Before the treatment begins, always discuss any concerns you may have with the office or with a pest control specialist. 

Before the treatment starts, make sure you remove any water/food bowls, toys or bedding if they are in the treatment area.

Secure your pets 

Pets are often curious and may try to investigate new sounds and smells in their home. Our technicians love meeting your pets; however, sometimes, that curiosity can bring them too close to our treatment and increase the chance of something going wrong.

You will need to keep your pests safely secured while our pest technician is carrying out work. We often recommend leaving your pets with a friend or at a kennel for the day of the treatment. If this isn’t an option for you, close them in a room that isn’t being treated and make sure you use a towel to block any gaps in doorways. For example, if you have a pest problem in your kitchen, you may want to put your them into your garage or bedroom. Make sure cats or dogs can’t sneak back inside if you placed them outside for the treatment. 

Feathery And Fishy Friends

We need to know if you have birds, fish or reptiles kept in tanks or cages inside. Please don’t be upset if we can’t treat a room where you have birds, fish, reptiles or other such pets that can’t be relocated. Our job is to make sure we keep you and your pets safe during pest treatments. 

Ideally, you will relocate them somewhere safe during the treatment. However, this is not always practicable so at the very minimum you need to cover tanks including filters with a nonpermeable fabric. Make sure there are no gaps where air can enter. Be careful when doing this, as if the power is on the heat from the covered motor may create a fire hazard. Make sure any food or equipment you use is put away or covered. 

If you are worried, we recommend calling your veterinarian to ask if the pesticide will react with your pet. Some birds have susceptible respiratory systems and may be prone to problems. 

Important note about rodent treatments

When carrying out rodent control, it’s important that you tell us if you have a dog or if dogs frequent your property. Rodenticide is toxic and harmful to humans and pets. It can be lethal to dogs. THE ANTIDOTE IS VITAMIN K1. If you have a dog, we recommend you check that your local vet has stock. We use lockable tamper-proof stations to hold bait (rodenticide), which are designed to help protect people and pets from accidental exposure to the bait inside. While we take the utmost care to ensure stations are secure and out of reach from pets, we can’t guarantee that your pet won’t access the bait inside. 

Are you still worried? Please speak with Ajet Services Pest Control today. They are knowledgeable and always happy to answer any concerns you may have. 

Hire A Professional 

Most importantly, if you have pets avoid doing the treatment yourself. If you don’t know how to apply the pesticide correctly or if you use the wrong amount, you run the risk of unintentionally poisoning your pet. In saying that, no two pest control companies are created equal. If you’re looking for the safest and most effective service, ensure you hire a certified PMANZ (Pest Management Association NZ) technician. If you still have concerns about your pet’s safety, contact Ajet Services Pest Control for free advice or a quote. Our founder was the past president of PMANZ, so we know what we’re talking about! 

1. There are thousands of different types of spiders:

In New Zealand alone it’s estimated there are around 2000 different species of Spiders. Some of the most common types are the golden orb web spider, grey house spider, large brown vagrant spider, katipo spider, Avondale spider and White-tailed spider. Spiders range from tiny to gigantic, and the diversity of species can be overwhelming, particularly when trying to get rid of spiders. 

2. Spiders are older than dinosaurs: 

According to the Australian Museum spider fossils have been found dating back more than 380 million years. Meaning spiders have been roaming the earth for at least 150 million years longer than dinosaurs!

3. New Zealand’s spiders are small:

The Nelson cave spider is New Zealand’s largest native spider which can measure up to 13cm in length. For comparison, the world’s largest spider the Goliath Birdeater which is commonly found in northern South America can grow as large as 30cm in length. As spider pest control experts, it’s an easy decision for which one we’d rather take care of! 

4. Most spiders aren’t venomous:

The thought of spiders may send shivers down your spine, however, it’s important to note most spiders in New Zealand aren’t venomous. There are only 3 species you should avoid are, the katipō, the redback and the white-tailed spider. Interestingly, though they can pack a punch, white-tailed spider bites are not considered poisonous to humans. If you are wanting to identify a type of spider have a look at our blog on this.

5. Masters at hiding:

Spiders have developed remarkable adaptations to blend in with their environment. Some species will mimic other insects such as ants by utilising similar body shapes, colours or movements. By doing this the spider can avoid detections and surprise their prey. 

6. Spiders are everywhere:

This might freak you out, but it’s estimated by a famous arachnologist Norman Platnick that you are never more than 10 feet away from a spider! In good news, most of the time they are hiding away minding their own business.

7. Spiders can grow new body parts:

Spiders possess the remarkable ability to regrow lost body parts. For example, if a spider loses a leg, it can regrow the missing limb during its next moult. This extraordinary power enables spiders to quickly recover from serious injuries. 

8. Spiders have blue blood:

Unlike humans, spiders have blue blood! There is a scientific explanation for this. Humans, use blood to transport oxygen around the body. The oxygen is connected to a molecule that contains irons. This is what gives our blood a red colour. In spiders, the oxygen is bound to a molecule that contains copper which creates the blue colour.  

9. Spiders are astounding hunters:

To live for 380 million years spiders have created innovative ways to catch prey. Not all spiders use webs to catch prey. Some species rely on their speed, agility and senses to catch their food. 

10. Female spiders have a large appetite: 

This isn’t great news for male spiders. Some spider species will eat their male counterparts before, during or after sexual activity. The behaviour of sexual cannibalism is what inspired the name of the black widow spider. 

With these facts in mind, it’s no wonder that spiders are unwanted house guests. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the spiders at your home or office call Ajet Services Pest Control today.

How To Get Rid of Fleas (In 3 simple steps):

There are three key steps to getting rid of fleas. 

1. Treat animals 
2. Treat your house 
3. Prevention to stop them from coming back. 

1. Treat animals

If you have a pet and don’t treat them regularly for fleas, then it’s best you get started. There are many flea control methods on the market such as flea sprays, collars and oral medication. Talk with your vet about what is the best product for your pet. These products work by repelling or killing fleas and their eggs. Certain products are more effective on a specific type of flea. Check out this article about all the different types of fleas we have in New Zealand. 

Remember, your pet may not be the cause of the flea infestation. There may be other animals that come onto your property, such as stray cats. Check for cavities or voids around your house where animals may get inside or use them as shelter. If there are any gaps, make sure they are closed off so animals can’t access this area. 

2. Treat your home

Fleas aren’t always brought inside on animals, they can hitch a ride on unsuspecting people too. When you notice there are fleas in your home, you need to eradicate the infestation quickly. For this, you will need a pest control provider specialising in flea control. We recommend a carpet clean before the treatment, which can help provide fast relief. Then your property will need a flea treatment that is specifically designed to kill and break the flea lifecycle. 

3. How To Prevent Fleas

When the flea infestation is eradicated, you can do a few things to help prevent fleas from infesting your home or office again. 

1. Act quickly if you notice flea activity, so the infestation doesn’t get out of control.

2. Keep your property clean and tidy. Vacuum carpet, furniture, and pet bedding at least once a week. Mow grass regularly and make sure gardens are tidy. 

3. If you have pets, keep them well-groomed. Regularly check your pet for fleas; you can use a flea comb to remove any fleas or flea eggs that may be in their fur. Ask your vet to recommend a suitable flea control treatment. Hot wash and tumble-dry pet bedding regularly to help kill live fleas and remove eggs (always follow laundry instructions). If items can’t be hot washed or tumbled dried, you can put them in a freezer for several days. 

Does Carpet Cleaning Kill Fleas?

If you have a flea infestation a professional carpet cleaner can be an effective way to quickly kill fleas that may be hiding in your carpets, providing much-needed relief. However, carpet cleaning alone won’t be enough to fully eliminate a flea infestation as eggs won’t necessarily be killed. 

Ajet Services specialises in flea control and can offer carpet cleaning and targeted flea treatments. Call them today for more information.

Do Fleas Survive In Winter:

During winter months fleas that have already infested your home will survive by finding warmer areas such as in your pet’s fur, bedding, around heaters or other warm areas. Fleas have a life cycle that typically lasts two-three months. Factors that affect the flea’s survival rate in winter include temperature, humidity, and the availability of a host (a mammal). 

So how can you get rid of fleas in your home or office? Prevention is best, by following our recommendations you hopefully will reduce the chance of fleas infesting your property. However, if you see any flea activity act immediately before it becomes a serious problem. If you have noticed any flea activity in your home/office or you have any questions please give us a free call at 0800 862 538 we’d love to help. 

Take Notice of Scout Ants

One of the first signs that ants may soon infest your home is seeing a ‘scout’ ant. The scout ant’s job is to be out in the field looking for food sources. You may see the odd scout ant coming in and out of your home, indicating a colony of ants nearby. Scout ants are usually the first ants you will notice, and this is because they’re trying to find the best food source for their colony. They will determine whether your home is a good source of food or if they need to keep looking. Scout ants are incredibly important, and if you see a scout ant in your home, get rid of them before it can relay information to its colony. 

Keep Surfaces in and Around Your Home Clean

Ants are one of the most persistent pests in many Auckland homes. They tend to congregate near food or water, meaning they are often found in kitchens or dining areas. The first thing to do is to eliminate any food/water sources. 

1. Keep surfaces clean and dry. 

Ants are attracted to food – this includes sticky substances from spills. Immediately wipe down benches/tables after spilling/preparing/eating food. Make sure to dry the surface after cleaning to ensure no water residue is left behind. Ensure you’re vacuuming and sweep your floors regularly to remove any food that may fall onto the floor.

2. Keep bins clean and sealed.

Compost and rubbish bins contain food for ants. Take your rubbish and compost out regularly so it doesn’t build up inside your home. Rubbish should be sealed in bags. Make sure your bins have secure lids and are cleaned regularly.  

3. Clean up dirty dishes. 

Leaving out dirty dishes or leftover food is an instant attractant and can become an ant buffet if not careful. I know that after eating, washing up is the last thing you want to do, but unfortunately, if you’re trying to avoid an ant invasion, it’s something you need to do. 

Seal cracks and potential entrances to your home

Ants will typically enter your home through tiny holes in walls, windows, and even between door frames. Search your kitchen and dining areas for places ants could enter. You will never be able to plug all the tiny holes; however, plugging as many as possible may be enough of a deterrent for the scout ants to search for food in other places. Keep in mind that sealants will decay over time, so remember to reapply when needed. 

Get an ant treatment 

If ants are still finding ways into your home, it’s time to call in the professionals. Licensed pest control companies will apply a commercial-grade ant treatment that is significantly more effective than what you can buy at your local DIY store or supermarket. Contact Ajet Services Services if you have more questions or would like a free quote.