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Second Windward Little Fire Ant Infestation Found in Ahuimanu

For Immediate Release from Hawaii Department of Agriculture: March 7, 2019

HONOLULU – Little fire ants (LFA) have been confirmed in a second Windward Oahu neighborhood. A resident in Ahuimanu reported stinging ants and surveys of the area and a nearby home of a relative detected two infestation sites around Ahuimanu Rd. The main site involves 13 properties and the other site involves five properties, totaling about three acres, including 15-meter buffer zones around each site. The area was treated today by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the Hawaii Ant Lab (HAL). Crews also conducted the second treatment of the Kaneohe neighborhood where LFA was detected in December. HDOA Plant Pest Control specialists from Hawaii Island were also brought in to help conduct
the treatments.

In late January, an Ahuimanu resident reported stinging ants and HDOA entomologists confirmed that they were LFA. Crews conducted multiple surveys of the neighborhood to determine the boundaries of the two infestations. The infestations in Kaneohe and Ahuimanu do not appear to be related.

Last week, LFA was also confirmed on a plant that was purchased at the Punahou Carnival in early February. Those who purchased plants at the carnival are also being urged to test their plants for LFA. So far, no LFA have been reported on any other plants sold at the carnival. Suspected LFA should be reported to HDOA’s Plant Pest Control Branch at (808) 973-9538.

“These recent detections should be a warning to homeowners on all uninfested islands to check for little fire ants periodically,” said Phyllis Shimabukuro-Geiser, acting chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “People traveling from infested areas should also be very cautious of potentially transporting these tiny ants in plant material, baggage and cargo.”

The Kaneohe infestation zone includes a total of 11 properties covering about two acres around Alokahi St. That area was treated today for the second time following a treatment plan developed by HAL researchers. It involves the use of several types of pesticides and bait formulas applied in six-week intervals for a total of at least eight treatments. Monitoring of the treated areas will continue for several years.

In 2015, LFA was successfully eradicated in a six-acre infestation site in Mililani Mauka using the same treatment protocol being used in the two Windward Oahu infestation sites.

LFA has been found on Hawaii Island since 1999 and the population is widespread on that island.

Since that initial detection, HAL and HDOA have developed a treatment strategy that has helped to prevent the spread of LFA to other islands.

HDOA and partner agencies, including the Invasive Species Committees on Oahu, Kauai, and Maui County and the Coordinating Group on Alien Pest Species (CGAPS) have been asking residents on Oahu, Kauai and Maui County to survey their properties for LFA by using a little peanut butter on a chopstick and leave them in several areas for about one hour. Any ants collected should be put in a sealable plastic bag, placed in the freezer for at least 24 hours and dropped off or mailed to any HDOA office. An informational flyer may be downloaded at: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2014/05/LFASurvey.pdf

In addition, the Department of Land and Natural (DLNR) Resources has produced a three-minute video, “How to Test for LFA,” which shows the step-by-step procedure for testing for LFA. The video is available at: https://vimeo.com/97558997

Originally from Central and South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16^th inch long, are pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike the tropical fire ant, which is established in Hawaii, move quickly, and are 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 buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.

Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).

Little Fire Ants Found in Kāneʻohe

HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE NEWS RELEASE: January 24th, 2019

HONOLULU – An infestation of little fire ants (LFA) was reported at a residential neighborhood in Kaneohe and the area was treated today in multi-agency effort involving the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) and the Hawaii Ant Lab (HAL). A total of 11 properties covering about two acres were treated this morning, including a 15-meter buffer zone around the infestation area.

On December 13, 2018, a resident on Alokahi St. contacted HDOA to inquire about ants in her home. The resident added that she had traveled to Hawaii Island. On December 19^th, staff from HAL retrieved the ant samples which were identified as LFA on December 20^th by an HDOA entomologist. On December 21^st, HDOA and HAL staff returned to the home and conducted a survey of the exterior of the residence and detected LFA in the patio, carport and along the perimeter of the property. Staff returned on December 24^th to survey two surrounding properties which also had LFA.

A larger survey of 12 properties in the area was conducted on January 4^th and LFA was found in seven of those properties. On January 9^th, another survey of two additional properties was conducted and one was found to have LFA. According to the treatment plan developed by HAL researchers, several types of pesticides and bait formulas are applied on a six-week interval for a total of eight treatments. Monitoring of the area will continue for several years.

In June 2014, an LFA infestation was detected in Mililani Mauka which covered six acres. A similar multi-agency response successfully eradicated the infestation and that neighborhood has been free of LFA since February 2015.

“This coordinated treatment and response plan for this infestation has been proven effective in the past and we appreciate the continued assistance of the different agencies and also the cooperation of the residents,” said Denise Albano, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “This incident also reminds everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspected infestation of little fire ants.”

LFA has been found on Hawaii Island since 1999 and the population is widespread on that island. Since that initial detection, HAL and HDOA have developed a treatment strategy that has helped to prevent the spread of LFA to other islands.

Originally from South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16^thinch long, are pale orange in color. LFA move slowly, unlike the Tropical Fire Ant, which is established in Hawaii, move quickly, and are 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 buildings and homes and completely overrun a property.

Suspected invasive species should be reported to the state’s toll-free PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).

Media Contact:

Janelle Saneishi, Public Information Officer
Hawaii Department of Agriculture

808.973.9560

hdoa.info@hawaii.gov

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/

Help OISC Track Naio Plants or Adopt-A-Naio!

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Myoporum thrips (Klambothrips myopori) AKA “Naio Thrips” were detected on Oʻahu on November 23^rd. Since then, multiple agencies and many private citizens came together to check 619 naio (Myoporum sandwicense) plants across Oʻahu. Only 42 plants were positive for myoporum thrips (Klambothrips myopori). Positive detections were found at nine sites in Kalihi, Kapālama, ‘Ālewa Heights, Moanalua, Pearl Harbor, Waikīkī and downtown. Although that is a wide geographic range, it is important to note that sites around these infested plants but within the same watershed have been checked and are clear. These are isolated points within these watersheds, the whole watershed is not infested. Most importantly, significant natural sites such as Kaʻena Point and the Kaiwi shoreline do not show signs of thrips.

Several sites have already been treated or are in the process of being treated. Mahalo to all the grounds and land managers that have cooperated with this effort and who have agreed to part with their naio plants in order to save the wild populations.

WANT TO HELP?

We need to know where naio is growing: If you know of naio plants anywhere on Oʻahu, please report it using the form below. GPS points and photos are especially welcome! We will check the naio for thrips and put it on a monitoring list that we will create once treatment is completed. You can opt to go a step further and help us monitor the naio plant each month. Just let us know on the form below if you want to adopt-a-naio.

Naio thrips are likely native to Australia 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 attack the native Hawaiian naio tree. These thrips are small sucking insects with feathery wings. They harm the naio by scarring of leaf, flower, and fruit surfaces leading to lethal plant damage. Naio thrips can be found on many Myoporum species, but is especially noticeable on our native naio species (Myoporum sandwicense). The leaf curling and gall formation effects of thrips on naio plants will be noticed before any insects are seen. These thrips are small, less than 1/20th inch long, and are shiny dark brown.

Damage:

Naio thrips damage includes severe gall-like distortion of the new leaves and terminals. Stunting of terminal growth occurs and leaf curling or folding is common. 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, which are probably native to Australia and Tasmania, can be transported to new areas in infested landscaping plants and locally via the wind. This pest was first noticed on the island of Hawaiʻi in March 2009. It appears to be spreading across the Big Island (map). There is still a chance of preventing this pest from establishing throughout Hawaiʻi. They haven’t been detected on Kauaʻi or Maui County. Please report any sightings to 643-PEST or OISC if seen on Oʻahu.

For additional information, visit

HDOA New Pest Advisory: http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/files/2013/01/npa09-02-naiothrips.pdf
Assessing the impacts of an invasive thrips (Klambothrips myopori) infestation on native Myoporum in Hawaii. Cynthia King, Robert Hauff, Leyla Kaufman, and Mark Wright. 2011. http://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/fhm/posters/posters11/WC-DM-10-01Hauff_naiothrips.pdf
Early Detection and Rapid Response Plans for Myoporum Thrips:

Do You Have Little Fire Ant?

HAVE YOU TESTED YOUR YARD FOR LITTLE FIRE ANT? It’s soooo easy and even more important. Find them…before they find you!!

We need your help! ...you can pick up free test kits at these Oʻahu locations to collect and send in your ant samples:

Mānoa Public Library: 2716 Woodlawn Dr. Manoa, HI 96822 HOURS

Waikiki-Kapahulu Library: 400 Kapahulu Ave. Honolulu, HI 96815 HOURS

Waimānalo Library: 41-1320 Kalanianaeole Hwy. Waimanalo, HI 96795 HOURS

Pearl City Home Depot: 1021 Kamehameha Hwy, Pearl City, HI 96782 HOURS

Do you need a free test kit? NO…all you need are chopsticks and peanut butter: How To Test for LFA

Q: We’ve already got fire ants are everywhere…I always get stung at the beach and the park. What’s the big deal?

A: Most people on Oʻahu have experienced “Tropical Fire Ant”…but “Little Fire Ant” is a different beast. Tropical Fire Ants live in sunny, dry areas….while Little Fire Ants like it shady and damp. Also, Little Fire Ants will live in the trees and on the ground. People who have experienced areas heavily infested with little fire ant talk of “raining ants” and getting repeated stings on their head, face, arms and back. This is the situation we want to avoid on Oʻahu.

Q: I’ve never seen little fire ant at my place, why should I test?

A: Just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there. Little fire ant only spread about 60 feet per year (as long as we don’t move them). So, they could be hanging out in a shrub, going unnoticed for a long time. We want to find them BEFORE they spread all over your yard. If we can find them while their colonies are still small…it’s so much easier to eradicate them.

Q: What happens if I do have little fire ants?

A: Because they are still not widespread on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Dept. of Agriculture will help you get rid of them!

Q: Do I have to have go pick up one of these fancy test kits?

A: Nope!! All you need are some chopsticks, popsicle sticks, or coffee stirrers, a ziplock bag and some peanut butter (use lunch meat or mayo if you’re allergic to peanut butter). Testing is quick and easy in just 5 steps! For testing details, CLICK HERE

For more information on little fire ants in Hawaiʻi…visit: www.stoptheant.org

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, over-turner 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. Both ROD fungi have been detected on Big Island and Kaua‘i.

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

Don’t injure ‘ōhi‘a. Avoid mowing and walking over roots.
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)
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.
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.
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

OISC Volunteer Service Trip

When:

Saturday, May 11th, 2019 from 9:00am-2:00pm.

If you had reserved your spot, you have also received an email notification.

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 open on February 1st, 2019 and 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.

Saving the Native Forest Video

With OISC and Lyon Arboretum

Save Native Forests from Oiwi TV on Vimeo.