The Maui News

A new infestation of little fire ants was discovered in Huelo after a husband and wife reported the stinging pests on their property.

The Maui Invasive Species Committee received a voicemail from the couple in early May saying that tenants on the property had been stung on their torsos while doing yardwork. MISC and the state Department of Agriculture surveyed the property and positively identified little fire ants. The MISC little fire ant team thoroughly mapped the infestation and began treatments, according to a news release Thursday.

MISC is working with the landowner and tenants to determine where the ants may have come from. Despite the proximity to another infestation in Huelo, the sites do not appear to be related, MISC said.

“If the community continues to be our eyes and ears by reporting suspect ants, we can stop the little fire ant from becoming established on Maui,” MISC Manager Adam Radford said in the news release. “Reporting is critical to finding these invasive ant populations and eliminating them, so getting into the habit of contacting MISC when you get stung by a suspect ant is a great way to protect our island from these invasive species. If you get a sting, give us a ring!”

Community efforts have led to the detection of 12 of the 18 known infestations of little fire ants on Maui, MISC said. Once detected, each infestation is treated for about one year then monitored. There are only six sites, including the recently confirmed population in Huelo, where little fire ants are still present and under active control.

On Maui, funding from the county and the Hawaii Invasive Species Council supports little fire ant control efforts. The Agriculture Department inspects incoming plant material to prevent infestations and assists MISC with survey and control efforts.

Little fire ants have been found on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii island, where they are widespread, according to the Hawaii Invasive Species Council. Animals often leave the areas where ants are established, as do hikers, farmers and hunters. When little fire ants invade yards and homes, pets can be blinded, and residents choose to move, MISC said.

MISC recommends that residents collect ants in their yards for identification at least once per year, and every time new materials such as mulch or nursery plants are purchased. To test for little fire ants, smear a tiny bit of peanut butter or mayonnaise on several thin strips of cardboard and place them in shady places in the yard. After 45 minutes, collect the samples with ants; place them in a plastic bag labeled with a name, address and contact information; and freeze for 24 hours to kill the ants. Maui residents can mail them to MISC at P.O. Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768.

For more information, visit stoptheant.org.

For concerns, questions or reports, contact MISC at (808) 573-6472 or miscants@hawaii.edu. Reports can also be submitted through 643PEST.org.