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Little Fire Ants In Hawaii


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PC: Melody Euaparadorn
The little fire ant is one of the world’s 100 most invasive species and we must act fast to eradicate it on Oahu.

At just 1.5-2mm long, (roughly half the size of a sesame seed) the Little Fire Ant (LFA) can be found from the ground to the trees. Commonly mistaken for the tropical fire ant, the LFA is significantly smaller, moves slower, and are typically orange-red to light brown in color.

Its impacts include but are not limited to:
  • Disrupting agriculture by damaging plants and biting field workers
  • Leaving painful welts from their bite which can last days or even weeks
  • In rare instances, blinding pets if stung repeatedly in the eyes

​

​How To Survey Your Property For Little Fire Ants

Testing for the little fire ant is quick and inexpensive.
Testing every 4-6 months can prevent new infestations and aid in the early detection of existing infestations.

Materials Required:
  • Disposable stick (i.e. chopstick, popsicle stick)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Plastic Bag
  • (Optional) Place Marker (i.e. flag)
​

​How To Quarantine New Plants For LFA

The little fire ant is commonly spread by the transfer of plants. Test any newly purchased plants before adding them to your garden or bringing them indoors to prevent new infestations.

Materials Required:
  • Disposable stick (i.e. chopstick, popsicle stick)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Plastic Bag
  • Container
  • Brick
  • Soap
  • Plant
​


Do Your P.A.R.T

PREVENT

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​Isolate and test any newly purchased plants & test your property regularly, every 4-6 months.
​
PC: Melody Euaparadorn

ACT

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Educate yourself on LFA biology & mechanisms of spread. Be proACTive by testing your plants and property & helping to test for other people.
PC: Melody Euaparadorn

REPORT

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Report any suspected LFA to the Oahu Invasive Species Committee  so we can figure out the full extent of any populations and initiate a treatment plant.

TALK

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Talk to your neighbors, family, and friends about LFA and encourage them to test their properties.

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PC: Melody Euaparadorn
Resources
Little Fire Ants on Oahu


Hawaii Ant Lab: Informational Videos and Graphics, Test Kits

Oahu Invasive Species Committee: LFA Overview, Identification

Big Island Invasive Species Committee: History & Impacts, LFA Resources

Stop The Ant: Free collection kit, Active Sites, FAQ

Hawaii Invasive Species Council: LFA Information, Additional Resources

​Contact Your Local Legislator


How To Contact Your Local Legislator
https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/fyl/
​

Contacting a legislator to advocate for policies regarding invasive species can help better manage the little fire ant. It only takes 15 minutes!
​
Watch this short video to find out how to contact your legislator.



Other Resources
HOK Native Plant Care Manual
File Size: 2005 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Click here to learn what easy practices you can implement on your own property!
​Other Resources
Hawaiian Watershed Atlas

What is Non-point Source Pollution 

Hawaii Environmental Education Alliance

Ke Ala O Ka Mahina, Hawaiian moon calendar.

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335 Hahani St. #1892
​Kailua, HI 96734

Protecting ocean health by restoring the 'āina: mauka to makai
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Copyright © 2024 Hui o Ko`olaupoko
Last Updated: June 26, 2025.
  • Home
  • About
    • What Is A Watershed
    • Staff & Board
  • Projects
    • Ecosystem Restoration
    • Stormwater Management
  • Get Involved
    • Calendar
    • Careers
    • Support
  • Resources
    • For Property Owners
    • Little Fire Ants
    • Publications
  • Contact
    • Volunteer Feedback Form