Tiny stinging ants that can pack a powerful sting, create large red welts and cause your pet to go blind have arrived on Oahu and Maui, according to Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture. The Little Fire Ants are believed to have migrated from a nursery on the Big Island. The ants were detected on that island in the 1990s. 

The ants can build up very large colonies on the ground and in vegetation, completely overrun a property and move into homes, according to the DOA. 

The insects were detected in Oahu and Maui garden shops on hapuu. Ag officials contained the areas and sprayed pesticides, but are asking the public for help in trying to contain their spread: 

HDOA is advising those who recently purchased hapuu logs or planters to contain the logs by placing them in a plastic or garbage bag and seal it securely.  They should contact their nearest HDOA office as soon as possible.  Due to the holiday, please leave a message and staff will respond as soon as they are able: 
        Maui – (808) 872-3848 
        Oahu – PEST HOTLINE – 643-PEST (7378).  This is also a toll-free number for neighbor islands. 

“It is important that those who have recently purchased hapuu which may be infested with little fire ants to help contain the infestation and contact us as soon as possible,” said Dr. Neil Reimer, administrator of HDOA’s Plant Industry Division. “Through past experience, we know we can contain an infestation if we find it in its early stages.” 

Originally from South America, LFA is considered among the world’s worst invasive species. 

On the Big Island, the ants are projected to cause damages of $170 million a year. Read more about that here.

Photo: Fire ants on a chopstick. (University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources)

— Sophie Cocke