Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Detected on Oʻahu

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS RELEASE: July 31, 2019

RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH NOW DETECTED ON FOUR ISLANDS: Less Aggressive Strain Discovered on O‘ahu

(Honolulu) – One of the species of fungus causing Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death was recently detected for the first time on O`ahu. A team of natural resource managers from the O`ahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) and the Ko’olau Mountain Watershed Partnership (KMWP) recently sampled a dead ʻōhiʻa tree on private land in a remote area in the Ko’olau Mountains above Pearl City.

The sample was analyzed by the USDA Agriculture Research Service lab in Hilo. It confirmed the presence of Ceratocystis huliohia. Although this is the less aggressive of the two Ceratocystis species associated with ROD, it still has the ability to kill ʻōhiʻa trees.

A partnership of state, federal, university, and non-government organizations have been conducting systematic helicopter and ground surveys to look for Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death since 2016.  On Oʻahu, 150 dead or unhealthy ʻōhiʻa trees have been sampled for the disease in the past three years, and all have been negative until now. The location of the infected tree is extremely remote and it is considered highly unlikely to have been spread by people. Researchers are still trying to understand the source of the two Ceratocystis pathogens and are looking at any possible patterns of dispersal.

This first detection on O‘ahu has initiated a rapid response which includes additional surveys to determine how widespread the disease is. A combination of helicopter, UAS (drone) and ground surveys are planned with OISC, DLNR and KMWP playing lead roles. The landowner, Kamehameha Schools, is working closely with the response agencies to coordinate access to the property so agencies are able to test for the fungus and prevent it from spreading.

Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death threatens Hawaii’s most important tree species. ʻŌhiʻa grows throughout the Ko’olau and Waianae mountain ranges across approximately 50,000 acres. ʻŌhiʻa serves as a keystone species providing important watershed cover for recharging the island’s aquifer, habitat for endangered species, and cultural uses such as hula performances.

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.

RESOURCES (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

To report dead or dying ʻōhiʻa on Oʻahu please call or text the Oahu Invasive Species Committee at (808) 286-4616 or e-mail oisc@hawaii.edu.

Additional information about Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death can be found at www.rapidohiadeath.org.

Media Contact: Dan Dennison, Senior Communications Manager (808) 587-0396,  DLNR.comms@hawaii.gov

 

 

Pūpūkea-Paumalu Volunteer Trip

WHEN:  

Saturday, September 28th, 2019 from 9am-2pm. RSVP is required.

WHERE: 

Pūpūkea-Paumalu State Park Reserve on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

WHAT TO BRING: 

Daypack, water (at least 2 liters), insect repellent, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes. Long pants and long-sleeved shirt are highly recommended to protect from mosquitoes and scratches.

RSVP REQUIRED!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP   The link will open on the 15th of each month. Space is limited and the link will close when the trip is full. If you have questions, please contact OISC at oisc@hawaii.edu or call 808-266-7944 or text 808-286-4616.

MISSION: 

We will conduct trail surveys for devil weed (Chromolaena odorata) and pulling it out when we find it to prevent it’s further spread. The goal of these trail surveys is to remove plants before they mature, preventing hitchhiking seeds being spread via hikers and bikers. 

NOTE: 

Volunteers will be hand-pulling plants, hiking along easy to moderate trails. Expect exposure to sun, heat, rain and mud, mosquitoes and some steep areas of trail. Volunteers should be physically fit and able to hike 4.5 hours at a moderate pace. 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 12-15 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.

*OISC can transport up to 4 volunteers to and from the site from our Kailua baseyard. We leave Kailua at 7:40am and will return by 3:30pm. If you would like a ride, you can indicate that on the RSVP. Space is limited so first come, first served. However, we do not have time to stop on the way back for a dip in the ocean…which is why some people prefer to drive.

 

Agricultural Snail Survey Internships for Oahu High School Students

Attention STEM Students!

Apply to become an Agricultural Snail Survey Intern! We have openings for up to 8 paid positions for rising juniors and seniors from Central and West Oʻahu high schools.

LEARN and EARN up to $1,600 in cash upon completion of your internship!

These year-round internships are created by Bishop Museum in partnership with Mālama Learning Center to engage students in farm surveys for pest snails that could hurt agriculture and the health of our communities.

Learn from experts on how to:
• Identify snail species
• Lead surveys for snails
• Collect and analyze data
• Make maps using GIS (Geographic Information System)
• Make public presentations and teach people about what you learned

Interns will work in teams and be supervised by Bishop Museum and Mālama Learning Center staff.
Training Dates (All dates are required):
• Summer 2019 (July 15-26 weekdays)
• Fall Break 2019 (October 7-9)
• Winter Break 2019 (December 26, 27, and 30)
• Spring Break 2020 (3 days between March 16-20 to be determined)

Training hours will be from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu. Bishop Museum is conveniently located along bus lines.

Additional time will be spent conducting surveys on school campuses and conducting outreach at farms and nurseries.

Apply online today!

For more information, contact info@malamalearningcenter.org. Positions will be filled as available. The sooner you apply, the better your chance!

This program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

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 1/16th 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 19th, staff from HAL retrieved the ant samples which were identified as LFA on December 20th by an HDOA entomologist. On December 21st, 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 24th to survey two surrounding properties which also had LFA.

A larger survey of 12 properties in the area was conducted on January 4th and LFA was found in seven of those properties. On January 9th, 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.

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 South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. LFA are tiny ants, measuring 1/16thinch 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/

Aggresive ROD Fungus Confirmed on Kaua‘i

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 21, 2018

 

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

DAVID Y. IGE: GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE: CHAIRPERSON

 

 AGGRESSIVE RAPID ʻŌHIʻA DEATH FUNGUS FOUND ON KAUA‘I

 (Lihue)-Detection of Ceratocystis lukuohia, the more virulent of the two fungal pathogens causing Rapid ʻŌhi‘a Death (ROD), has now been confirmed in three trees on Department of Hawaiian Homelands parcel behind Kalalea Mountain on the east side of Kaua‘i. This first detection of C. lukuohia comes after the other pathogen resulting in ROD, Ceratocystis huliohia, was detected on Kauai in three distinct locations this past year.

“These three trees that tested positive for C. lukuohia were spotted by our rapid response team as they were conducting botanical surveys across the island,” said Sheri S. Mann, Kaua‘i District Manager for the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW). “Later, a team trekked by foot to visually inspect and take samples from the tree.”

ʻŌhi‘a die for many reasons, although symptoms consistent with ROD include the sudden browning of leaves on limbs or the entire crowns of trees. The fungus is not visible on the leaves or the bark but grows in the sapwood just below the bark. The three trees that were sampled earlier this month stood out in a forest of green, because the entirety of the trees leaves had browned.

Samples were then sent to the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Hilo for the necessary laboratory testing that confirmed C. lukuohia in all three trees.

“This is obviously news we didn’t want to hear,” Mann said. “But within a day of learning the news, we scheduled a helicopter to conduct more digital mobile sketch mapping to identify any additional symptomatic trees. We followed that with pinpoint drone surveys conducted by the UH Hilo Department of Geography SDAV Lab and more tree sampling to try and determine the severity and distribution of the outbreak. It’s been a busy week.”

 A benefit for Kaua‘i is the hard-earned research conducted on Hawaii Island where ROD was identified more than four years ago. Hundreds of thousands of trees have died due to ROD on Hawai‘i Island, more than 90 percent due to C. lukuohia. Earlier this year, scientists at ARS described the two-different species of fungi that cause ROD as C. huliohia and C. lukuohia. Both species are new to science.

The difference between the two pathogens is how they move through the tree and how quickly they kill.

“The pathogen enters the tree through a wound; be it a broken limb, twig or, perhaps, a scuffed up exposed root. Whereas C. huliohia may take months to years to kill an ohia tree, C. lukuohia can kill a tree within weeks,” said James B. Friday, the extension forester with the University of Hawaii.

The Kaua‘i ROD Working Group does not know exactly when or how the disease arrived on Kaua‘i-whether it was the result of human activity or on its own, e.g. via the wind.

Once additional lab results and drone imagery are available, the rapid response team will consult with the ROD science team to determine what management actions should be taken.

“Our priority is to save ohia. It has a critical role in the ecosystem’s function,” said Tiffani Keanini, project manager of Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee (KISC). “We are currently determining the best method to contain the spread and prevent ROD from entering pristine watershed areas. At this point, we are treating the recent outbreak with rapid response actions.  As we learn more about the distribution and density of the affected area, we will likely adapt our management strategy efforts.”

The C. lukuohia detection site is located in a remote area at 550-foot elevation. This forest location is comprised of a mix of native trees and plants like ʻōhi‘a, koa, hala, and uluhe that are being crowded out by non-natives such as albizia, java plum, strawberry guava, and octopus trees. Unfortunately, any loss of a native tree will give rise to the faster-growing invasives unless aggressive native tree plantings take place.

As there is no known cure to ROD, prevention is the key to ensuring it doesn’t spread and both Kama‘aina and visitors can help by following these key five guidelines:

1) Keep your eyes open. If you see ʻōhiʻa with a limb or crown turning brown, take a picture, and contact KISC via email (saveohia@hawaii.edu) or phone (808-821-1490). Samples of the wood must be taken by trained technicians and tested in a laboratory to confirm the presence of the ROD fungi.

2) Avoid injuring ʻōhiʻa. Wounds serve as entry points for the fungus and increase the odds that the tree will become infected and die from ROD. Avoid pruning and contact with heavy equipment wherever possible.

3) Clean gear and tools, including shoes and clothes, before and after entering the forest and areas where ʻōhiʻa may be present. Brush all soil off tools and gear, then spray with 70% rubbing alcohol. Wash clothes with hot water and soap.

4) Wash your vehicle with a high-pressure hose or washer if you’ve been off-roading or have picked up mud from driving. Clean all soil off tires–including mountain bikes and motorcycles–and vehicle undercarriage.

5) Don’t move ʻōhiʻa wood or ʻōhiʻa parts, including adjacent soil. The disease can be spread to new areas by moving plants, plant parts, and wood from infected areas to non-infected areas.

 

 

MEDIA RESOURCES

(All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

HD video-field survey training, digital sketch mapping (May 11, 2018)

  • https://vimeo.com/269082425 (shot sheet attached)

HD video-Kauai Rapid Ōhiʻa Death video news release (May 11, 2018)

  • https://vimeo.com/269288041

Photographs-digital sketch mapping, field survey training: (cut sheet attached)

Video-Ceratocystis: Tale of Two Species & Screening for Resistance:

For more on Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death:

Credit: Kauai Invasive Species Committee/Kim S. Rogers:

Seanne Igne (Protection Forester/DOFAW) is pictured while conducting Digital Mobile Sketch Mapping surveys via helicopter.

 

Media Contacts:

Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee

Kim S. Rogers

(808) 821-1490

(808) 634-6667 (cell)

saveohia@hawaii.edu

 

 AJ McWhorter

DLNR Communications Specialist

Hawaii Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

dlnr.comms@hawaii.gov

aj.mcwhorter@hawaii.gov

808-587-0396 (Communications Office)

808-587-0418 (Direct Line)

www.dlnr.hawaii.gov

Cedric Duarte

Information & Community Relations Officer

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

91-5420 Kapolei Parkway

Kapolei, Hawai’i 96707

Phone: 808-620-9591

Mobile: 808-342-0873

Cedric.R.Duarte@hawaii.gov

Naio Thrips

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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 shoreline 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…we’ll replace it with a native plant.
  • 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 removal and safe disposal.
  • 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

Free Training for Land-Based Tour Operators!!

Aloha!

Do you manage or work for a company that leads visitors on land-based tours in Hawaiʻi? Do you want to stand out as an active protector of Hawaiʻi’s natural resources? If so, then you won’t want to miss out on a FREE TRAINING for terrestrial tour operators being offered this fall! This team-taught training brings expertise together from your local Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Committees and the Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death Response Team. The course covers best sanitation practices for your tour operation so that your guides and guests can feel confident about minimizing impact to our unique native landscapes. Each participating business will receive a FREE LARGE SANITATION KIT to kick-start or complement your tour operations. Choose from five training dates offered on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Oʻahu, and Kauaʻi. Register today at rapidohiadeath.org! Questions may be directed to ohialove@hawaii.edu.

This training is supported by: University of Hawaiʻi, Department of Land & Natural Resources -Division of Forestry & Wildlife, Hawaiʻi Invasive Species Committees, Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, and Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association.
TRAINING DATES
Tuesday, November 27, 2018: Kona, Hawaiʻi Island
Wednesday, November 28, 2018: Kahului, Maui
Wednesday, December 5, 2018: Kaneohe, Oʻahu
Thursday, December 6, 2018: Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island
Wednesday, December 12, 2018: TBD, Kauaʻi

Spot the Ant, Stop the Ant Hawaii!!

Little fire ants (LFA) may be tiny, but they pack a powerful sting. Native to South America, these speck-sized invaders have hitchhiked across the Pacific, hidden in imported goods, establishing new populations in islands like Hawaiʻi. Much smaller than the average ant, LFA are about as long as a penny is thick.

LFA are considered one of the World’s 100 Worst Invasive Species (IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group), because of their ability to reach very high numbers, to the point where people and animals can’t avoid stings. Without the competition and predators that could keep their numbers in check, they are invading houses, yards, agricultural fields, and forests.  They’re also terrible at hanging on, so they easily fall off plants and trees when bumped by people or animals. Unsuspecting victims of the “ant rain” are left with painful stings. Pets living in areas with dense populations of these ants develop clouded eye corneas from repeated stings to their eyes. This is painful for pets and the blindness is permanent.

Little fire ants may have reached our shores, but we can’t treat it like “just another ant.”  It’s up to each of us to Spot The Ant and Stop the Ant.

On Oahu, LFA have been detected in two locations in 2014…Mililani and Waimanalo. Both sites have been successfully treated and will continue to be monitored for at least three years after the last LFA detection to ensure eradication.

That said…we don’t know where else they could be. They continue to be intercepted at port inspections, but not every shipment can be looked at and ants are pretty small! Residents and businesses can help us look for these ants. If we can find them, we can get rid of them and stop the spread!

Simply collect your ants, freeze them, then mail them to us for identification. There are 57 species of ants in Hawaii. We need your ants in hand to identify the species under a microscope. Collecting your ants is easy to do with things you have in your home.

What you’ll need:

  • disposable chopsticks, stirrers, or popsicle sticks (about 10 sticks)
  • cheap peanut butter (if allergic to pb, use mayonnaise)
  • zip top bag
  • envelope and one stamp

Collecting & Submitting Ants

    1. Smear a thin coat of peanut butter or mayo on one end of a disposable chopstick or popsicle stick.
    2. Place sticks in shady areas in, around, and on plants, including potted plants, around pet feeding areas, and trash cans. For a thorough survey, place at least three sticks per plant, and/or one stick every two feet. Leave the sticks out for 45 minutes to 1 hour to attract ants.
    3. Carefully pick up the sticks (so the ants don’t fall off!), and seal them in a plastic bag.  Write your name, contact number, and the date on the bag and freeze for 24 hours to kill the ants.
    4. Mail the zip top bag of dead ants to the OISC.
      • 743 Ulukahiki St., Kailua, HI 96734

For more information about LFA and their distribution throughout the islands, visit: www.stoptheant.org

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