SEVERAL LITTLE FIRE ANTS INFESTATIONS CURRENTLY UNDERGOING TREATMENT ON OAHU.
These recent detections of little fire ants on Oahu are the results of residents submitting ants for identification after being repeatedly “bitten” in their yard. There are over 50 species of ants in Hawaii and none are native. However, some are worse than others…and little fire ants are one of the worst in the world. There are several stinging ants widely established on the island that are similar in color and size. To identify ants by their species, they need to be looked at under a microscope. So, the public is asked to collect and send their ants for identification.
If little fire ant infestations are found early….the successful eradication of that colony is greatly increased.
So please…COLLECT & SUBMIT YOUR ANTS FOR IDENTIFICATION: “How to Test for LFA,” which shows the step-by-step procedure for testing for LFA: https://vimeo.com/97558997
- It’s easy…you just need to place a very thin smear of peanut butter on the end of a stick, a small piece of paper and leave it in a damp, shady area for 1 hour.
- Place any sticks that have ants into a ziptop bag and freeze overnight to kill the ants.
- Mail the ziptop bag of ants to either HDOA: 1428 S. King St., Honolulu 96814 or OISC: 743 Ulukahiki St., Kailua 96734…we’ll identify them and let you know.
For more information on Stop the Ant campaign, go to: http://stoptheant.org/
LFA was first detected in the state on Hawaii Island in 1999. However, by time it was found, the ants were widely disbursed on the island and no treatment protocol existed for eradication. The HAL was then established to research best method of eradication and control of LFA. The treatment plans developed by HAL and HDOA entomologists have been very successful in eradicating new infestations. The protocol uses several types of pesticides and bait formulas applied on a six-week interval for a total of eight treatments. Originally from South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16th inch long, and pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike the tropical fire ant, which is established in Hawaii, can move quickly, and is much larger with a larger head in proportion to its body. LFA can produce painful stings and large red welts and may cause blindness in pets. They can build up very large colonies on the ground, in trees and other vegetation, and inside buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.
Are these little fire ants? Don’t know! There are several ants similar in size and color that are widespread in Hawaii. We can’t ID the ant species unless we look at them under a microscope. Collect and send your ants in for identification and find out what species of ants you have.
Current Areas Under Treatment for LFA on Oahu:
Kaneohe, Oahu
- Reported December 19, 2018 – Samples submitted to HAL
- Treatment zone 2 acres; 11 properties involved
- Treatment began January 2019; survey in July 2019 found no LFA
- Participating partners: HDOA, HAL
Ahuimanu, Oahu
- Reported January 25, 2019 – Samples submitted by resident to Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
- Treatment zone 2 acres; 12 properties involved
- Treatment began March 2019
- Participating partners: HDOA, HAL, OISC
Lanikai, Oahu
- Reported June 13, 2019 – Resident submitted ant samples to HAL.
- Treatment zone < 2 acres; 6 properties involved
- Treatment began July 17, 2019
- Participating partners: HDOA, HAL
Kualoa, Oahu
- Reported May 8, 2019 – Kualoa staff submitted ant samples to OISC.
- Treatment zone 20 acres; pastures, natural areas, unpaved roadways
- Treatment began September 16, 2019
- Participating Partners: Kualoa Ranch, HAL, HDOA, GCAPS, OISC, Oahu Army National Resource Program
- (OANRP), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS),
Makiki Heights, Oahu
- Reported July 23, 2019 – Resident submitted ant samples to HAL – Oahu
- Treatment zone approximately 5 acres; 18 properties involved
- Treatment began October 9, 2019
- Participating partners: HDOA, HAL
Pauoa, Oahu
- Reported August 30, 2019 – Resident submitted ant samples to HDOA/HAL
- Delimiting surveys currently being conducted on approximately 2 acres and 8 properties involved
- Treatment will begin when surveys are complete
- Participating partners: HDOA, HAL
Laie, Oahu
- Reported October 7, 2019
- Delimiting surveys currently being conducted
- Participating partners: HDOA, HAL, GCAPS, OISC, OANRP, USFWLS
