Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC)

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

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NAIO TRACKER: Report both healthy and/or damaged naio plants HERE. 

Naio thrips (sometimes called myoporum thrips) were detected on Oʻahu on November 23, 2018. 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, defoliation, and eventual death of the plants.

Since the Oʻahu detection, multiple agencies and many private citizens have mobilized 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.

Our goal was to contain and eradicate these harmful pests by first removing all infested plants on the island and then removing naio in landscaping as they are harbors allowing thrips to spread. Over 900 plants have been removed since the detection, along with thousands of man hours spent in the field. Numerous land managers and private citizens have been cooperating with this effort and there has been much support to stop the spread of naio thrips in order to save the wild populations.

However, the large number of naio in landscaping and the ease with which thrips are dispersed, combined with the logistics of coordinating massive plant removal projects using limited resources has made it extremely difficult to stop their spread. In short, despite reallocating thousands of man hours to remove their food sources, the thrips moved faster than we could. The strategy has now moved from eradication to management.

Removing so much food for the thrips in the beginning of the outbreak slowed the spread and allowed us some breathing room to figure out a management strategy that we can use when the thrips eventually make it to wild areas. Right now, we do not have treatments for naio in the wild or in landscaping. OISC’s experience and anecdotal evidence from others has not found a proven technique that will ensure naio survival after thrips find it. However, that is one of our main projects right now in cooperation with the Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) and UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR).

Protecting wild naio populations is still a priority. Research has begun looking into effective treatment options along with searching for resistance among different varieties of native naio (Myoporum sandwicense) and of our Oʻahu endemic naio species (Myoporum stellatum). Researchers are also considering environmental factors, such as soil conditions and rainfall amounts. Our goal is to find techniques to manage thrips adequately that will protect our wild populations and once again allow naio to be used in landscaping and restoration.

It’s important to keep in mind that naio thrips are detected on Hawaiʻi Island and Oʻahu. Do NOT transport naio between islands to help stop the spread to neighboring islands where it is not established.

How You Can Help

  • 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.
    • Here is a list on nurseries and store that carry native plants:  Native-Plant-Source-List
    • Honolulu Board of Water Supply has a Oahu Regional Planting Lists for your area based on rainfall.
  • Do not move naio between islands. Currently, only Hawaii Island and Oahu have detections of these thrips.
  • Monitor – Monitor every week for damage to leaves.
  • Report damaged leaves immediately to the Oahu Invasive Species Committee (OISC) for recommendations for treatment. You can use the link below, or email: oisc@hawaii.edu.
  • Report naio plant locations: use the form below to let us know where plants are located. This data will help us note locations of naio and their health. 

NAIO TRACKER: Report both healthy and/or damaged naio plants HERE. 

Naio Thrips: these tiny insects are native to Tasmania 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.

In the naio/mamane forests of Pu’u Wa’a Wa’a Forest Reserve on Hawai’i Island, researchers could not find 10 healthy naio trees a decade after thrips invaded the area. Springer Kaye of the Big Island Invasive Species Committee likened the destructive capacity of the thrips to wildfire. Today, 90% of the wild naio at sites on the Hawai’i Island have died due to the damage caused by thrips.

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.

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

CRB found in Waimanalo

On July 19th, 2018 an adult female coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) was found in Waimanalo. This is the first detection on Oahu’s east side since the beetle arrived on the island in December 2013. There are no other signs of beetles establishing themselves in the area and more traps have been deployed to aid in monitoring. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture biological control section chief, Darcy Oishi, says it’s likely the beetle hitchhiked to the area.

Coconut rhinoceros beetles breed in mulch and green waste piles. Adult beetles feed not only on coconut trees, but also date palms, pineapple, taro, sugar cane, papaya, hala and native loulu palms. It’s recommended to inspect mulch and green waste piles regularly and report any suspect CRB grubs, adults or suspected damage to CRB Response at 679-5244 or email BeetleBustersHI@gmail.com.

CRB is the largest beetle on Oahu….about the size of your thumb. It is nocturnal, unlike the Oriental Flower Beetle which are active in the day. Oriental Flower beetles are much smaller, have no horn and are mottled with fleck of gold or white. The dung beetle if often thought of as a baby CRB, but not the case…baby CRB are grubs.
CRB damage on leaves results in angular “v-cuts” in the leaves.
Bore holes at the base of palm frond.
Bore holes made by adult CRB
Bore hole made by adult CRB.
Various life stages (instars) and sizes of the CRB larvae

Videos: Larvae movement; CRB grub vs. Oriental Flower Beetle grub

 

 

Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month 2018

The State of Hawaii is hosting the 1st annual Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Month (HISAM) for the month of February 2018. HISAM is an expansion on the past 5 years of hosting the Hawaii Invasive Species Awareness Week and is organized in coordination with the U.S. National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) and regional Pacific Invasive Species Awareness efforts. HISAM seeks to promote information sharing and public engagement in what the Hawaii State Legislature has declared “the single greatest threat to Hawaii’s economy and natural environment and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii’s people.”

CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF HISAM EVENTS

 

6th Annual HISC Awards: Recognizing individuals and groups for their outstanding service to Hawaii in the fight against invasive species.

Award Categories : 

  • Business Leader: Recognizes an individual in the private sector or a business that has demonstrated leadership in their role of protecting Hawaii from invasive species.
  • Community Hero: Recognizes a community member or community-based group that has been a shining example of dedication to prevent and/or manage invasive species.
  • Greatest Hit: Recognizes an individual, organization, or agency responsible for one of the major invasive species highlights in the areas of research, prevention, control, and/or public outreach.
  • Island MVPs: Four awards will be given in this category and are selected by the various Island Invasive Species Committee to recognize an individual or group that has made substantial contributions towards advancing invasive species management in Hawaii.
  • Hottest Pest Report: Recognizes an individual who reported a high-profile invasive species to the 643pest invasive species reporting system.

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

Contact Us

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

OISC Manager: Nate Dube
E-mail: oiscmgr@hawaii.edu
OISC Outreach Coordinator: Erin Bishop
E-mail: oisc@hawaii.edu

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