Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)

ARE YOU GETTING BITTEN OR STUNG IN YOUR YARD?

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

 

FOURTH DETECTION OF RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH ON O‘AHU

Dead leaves still attached to ʻōhiʻa (as seen here from the air)…this is known as “flagging” and symptomatic of potential presence of ROD inside the tree.

(Honolulu) – An aerial survey of some 20,000 acres of forest on O‘ahu has resulted in the fourth detection of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD) in an ʻōhiʻa in the Moanalua Section of the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve above Tripler Army Medical Center.

“Fortunately,” explains State Protection Forester Rob Hauff of the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), this tree is infected with Ceratocystis huliohia, the less aggressive species of the fungus associated with ROD.”  The tree was located using a helicopter-mounted camera system developed by the University of Hawai‘i-Hilo, Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Lab (SDAV).  The collected images were analyzed in partnership with staff from the O‘ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and DOFAW, as part of an on-going effort to improve the ability of field personnel to spot potentially infected trees.

The previous detections of the same species on O‘ahu include single trees on Kamehameha Schools land in Waiawa, and on two private properties in Windward O‘ahu residential areas. Nathan Dube, the manager of the OISC said both of those trees were planted ʻōhiʻa. He said, “Both of these detections were from concerned landowners, who reported their dead or dying ʻōhiʻa to OISC.  An OISC field team cut down the trees, dissected them, and sent samples to a lab in Hilo for positive confirmation and for research purposes.”

The aerial survey that picked up the tree in the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve, focused on the area adjacent to the earlier Waiawa detection. Surveyors identified about 40 additional trees from the images that need to be sampled for the disease, including ground-truthing. That process will take some time, as the area is rugged and difficult to reach.  DOFAW and OISC crews, with the help from experts on Hawai’i Island, decided to remove the infected branch of the tree and monitor it monthly for further signs of disease. Crews used a sealant on the wound to prevent additional disease infection.

*Please report location of dead or dying ʻōhiʻa trees with dead leaves still attached on O‘ahu to OISC at: oisc@hawaii.edu  (Photos are helpful)

Surveying 20,000 acres of forest on Oahu. using helicopter mounted camera system designed by UH-Hilo, Spatial Data Analysis and Visualization Lab.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residents and visitors can help protect our remaining ʻōhiʻa forests with the following actions:

  • Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Open wounds on ʻōhiʻa are an entry point for disease spores. The disease can also spread from tree to tree on machetes or other tools.
  • Don’t transport ʻōhiʻa inter-island.
  • Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or vegetation, especially from areas known to have ROD.
  • Clean your hiking boots/gear/tools. Scrub off all dirt and spray boot soles and tools with 70% rubbing alcohol, and wash your clothes in hot water and use a dryer to ensure the disease is not spread on boots and clothing.
  • Wash your vehicle if driving near ʻōhiʻa forests. The disease can remain alive and infectious in soil, so wash all dirt off vehicles.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has now been detected on Hawai‘ Island, Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu since the fungal disease was first discovered in 2014. To date, the more aggressive form of the disease has not been found on Maui or O‘ahu, and is extremely limited on Kaua‘i.

Naio Thrips

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Naio thrips (sometime called myoporum thrips) were detected on Oʻahu on November 23rd. Naio thrips attack our native Hawaiian naio tree (Myoporum sandwicense). These thrips are small sucking insects with feathery wings. They harm the naio by sucking the tissue out of the new leaves, causing severe damage and eventually kill the plants.

Since the Oʻahu detection, multiple agencies and many private citizens have come together to remove infested plants. Right now, significant natural sites such as Kaʻena Point and the Kaiwi coastline do not show signs of thrips and these areas are being regularly monitored.

OISC’s first priority is to remove all infested plants on the island. Numerous land managers and private citizens have been cooperating with this effort and there has been much support to to stop the spread of naio thrips in order to save the wild populations.

Protecting wild naio populations is a priority. Landscaped naio plants provide harbors for thrips to move around the island. Neither organic or pesticide treatments are effective for prevention. Removal is needed to stop the spread. So while OISC is working to remove infested naio, removal of healthy naio in landscaped areas can help stop thrips from working their way across the island towards these wild populations.

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP! …we can’t do it alone…

  • Remove urban/landscaped plants BEFORE they get infested.
  • Monitor – If you decline to remove your unifested plant, monitor every week for damage to leaves.
  • Report damaged leaves immediately to the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) for recommendations for treatment.
  • Report naio plant locations: use the form below to let us know where plants are located.  
  • Do not plant naio. Plant other native or non-invasive plants. You can visit, Plant Pono for healthy landscaping choices. Recommended alternatives are: koaia, a’ali’i,  alahe’e, and ‘ōhi‘a…and for naio papa use ulei.
  • Do not move naio between islands.

Naio Thrips: these tiny insects are native to Tazmania and have caused widespread damage on the popular landscaping Myoporum plants in southern California and in the San Francisco area. They were first detected on Hawaii Island in March of 2009.   Naio thrips can be found on many Myoporum species, but is especially noticeable on our native naio species. The leaf curling and gall formation effects of thrips on naio plants will be noticed before any insects are seen. These thrips are tiny, about 2mm long, and are shin, dark brown.

Damage: 

Naio thrips damage includes severe gall-like distortion of the new leaves and terminals. The insects suck out the healthy tissues of new leaves. The stunting of growth at the terminal ends of the plant occurs and leaf curling or folding is common. Eventually new leaves stop forming and the plants will die. In Hawaiʻi, this recent pest can potentially have devastating effects on our native naio trees which are an important component of lowland and coastal dry forest and comprise roughly one half of the plant biomass of the māmane-naio forest ecosystem.

Distribution: 

Naio thrips can be transported to new areas in infested landscaping plants, on people, and locally via the wind. This pest was first noticed on the island of Hawaiʻi in March 2009 and has since spread across the Big Island (map). There is still a chance of preventing this pest from establishing throughout the state. They haven’t been detected on Kauaʻi or Maui County. Please report any sightings to 643-PEST or OISC if seen on Oʻahu.

Outreach Publications: Naio Thrips Rack Card

For additional information, visit

The New 643-PEST App is Here!!

Submit a report using to alert the 643Pest Network of new pest sightings in Hawaii. The website 643pest.org (and the 643-PEST telephone hotline) are services provided by the State of Hawai‘i to help direct pest reports to the appropriate responding agency, or to community-based partnerships working with the state on invasive species issues.

…and they have just launched a new app for your smart phone! You can download the app using the QR code at the bottom or just search “643Pest” in your app store. Just keep it on your phone and reporting suspect pests is a breeze. It’s free, easy to use, and applicable state-wide. Together, we can stop the spread of invasive species!

Remember to call 911 immediately for all snake sightings.

 

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death

Rapid Ohia Death symptoms include rapid browning of affected tree crowns. Trees die so fast, the leaved remain even after the tree has died.

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death symptoms include rapid browning of affected tree crowns. Trees die so fast, the leaved remain even after the tree has died.

In an effort to prevent spread of this devastating disease to other islands, the Hawai‘i Board of Agriculture approved an emergency quarantine measure on intrastate movement of ‘ōhi‘a and ‘ōhi‘a products.

Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death (ROD) is caused by two strains of the  fungus Ceratocystis that until now, where unknown to science. Ceratocystis lukuohia, destroyer of ‘ōhi‘a and Ceratocystis huliohia, turning of ‘ōhi‘a. Both fungi infect and kill ‘ōhi‘a by attacking the vascular system of the tree. These fungal strains haven’t been seen before and there is no known cure for this new disease, but the quarantine will afford researchers more time to look for ways to mitigate the impacts.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death has now been detected on Hawai‘i Island, Maui, Kaua‘i and O‘ahu. To date, the more aggressive form of the disease has not been found on Maui or O‘ahu, and is extremely limited on Kaua‘i.

Everyone is asked to help stop the spread of ROD by following these 5 steps:

  1. Don’t injure ‘ōhi‘a. Avoid mowing and walking over roots.
  2. Don’t move ‘ōhi‘a wood, especially if you don’t know where it came from. Follow the quarantine rule and do not move ‘ōhi‘a materials to other islands without a permit. (Permit applications at: www.hdoa.hawaii.gov)
  3. Keep your eyes open. If you see ‘ōhi‘a with ROD symptoms on O‘ahu, take a picture and contact OISC right away so we can collect a sample for testing. Email photos to oisc@hawaii.edu or call us at: 266-7994.
  4. Clean your tools, gear, clothing and shoes when hunting, hiking, or gathering. Remove all dirt and much and either dip or spray your soles in *approved solution, and wash clothes in hot water and detergent.
  5. Wash your vehicle with detergent, especially if you’ve traveled off-road.

*approved decontamination treatment proven to kill ROD fungus: spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. 

ON O‘AHU: REPORT DEAD/DYING ‘ŌHI‘A TREES WITH BROWN LEAVES. 

OISC has been assisting with reports of suspect ‘ōhi‘a trees on O‘ahu by collecting samples and submitting them to the ROD Team on the Big Island.  Samples submitted have tested negative for ROD. On O‘ahu, If you see a dead or dying ‘ōhi‘a trees that still have brown leaves attached, you can contact OISC at 266-7994 or email oisc@hawaii.edu.  Also, please take a photo (if can) of the suspect tree and note the precise location in the report.

For current news, maps and pictures, visit: www.rapidohiadeath.org or Facebook/rapidohiadeath

 

Read More Here: Board of Agriculture Restricts Movement of Ohia

OISC Lyon Arboretum Volunteer Trip

When:

Saturday, February 8th, 2020 from 9:00am-2:00pm.

Where:

Lyon Arboretum at 3860 Manoa Road. Meet in the Lyon Arboretum parking lot at 9:00am.

What to bring:

Daypack, water (at least 2 liters), insect repellent, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes and rain gear. Long pants and long-sleeved shirt are highly recommended.

RSVP required!

The RSVP link will close when the trip is full (12 people maximum). If you have questions, please contact OISC at oisc@hawaii.edu or (808)266-7994 or (808) 286-4616.

Mission:

We will focus on the removal of two invasive plant species – Ardisia virens and Stromanthe tonckat. Lyon Arboretum is the only known location in the state where these species are found; which means with your help we can work toward completely eliminating them from the island so that they are no longer a threat!

Note:

Volunteers will be hand-pulling plants and hiking off-trail in moderately steep to steep terrain with exposure to sun, rain, mosquitoes and muddy conditions. Volunteers should be physically fit for strenuous activity. Participants will be required to sign a waiver and provide emergency contact information. Children ages 12-17 yrs. must have parent/guardian signature. Children ages 12-14 must have an adult accompany them for the duration of the trip. Please call 808-266-7994 or email oisc@hawaii.edu with any questions.

Contact Us

Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)
Office: (808) 266-7994
Fax: (808) 266-7995

OISC Manager: Rachel Neville
E-mail: oiscmgr@hawaii.edu
OISC Outreach Specialist: Erin Bishop
E-mail: oisc@hawaii.edu

Pest Hotline: 808-643-PEST (7378)
Report a Pest Online