LITTLE FIRE ANT

What and Why: The Hawaiian islands are some of the most isolated islands in the world, with no native ant species. Over the last two centuries, roughly 50 ant species have been introduced to Hawai‘i. Some of the most destructive species include tropical fire ant, little fire ant, yellow crazy ant, big-headed ant, and Argentine ant. They are successful because they eat a wide variety of plants and animals, which in turn can lead to devastating effects on the native insects and pollinators, seabirds and overall ecosystem. These ants lack natural predators or parasites that can keep their populations in check.

Eradication of an invasive species becomes less likely and control costs increase as an invasive species spreads over time. Our goal is to add dogs as a detection tool to existing efforts for bio-security, early detection, eradication and monitoring in the main Hawaiian islands.

About LFA
According to Hawaii Invasive Species Council, LFA delivers a painful sting when disturbed, with welts lasting for weeks. They can also infest houses, beds, furniture and food. They may sting, and even blind, pets such as cats and dogs. In the Galapagos, little fire ants eat tortoise hatchlings and attack the eyes of adult tortoises. Little fire ant infestations can cause significant economic damage, specifically to the agriculture, park, and school sectors.

Where?
Our LFA programs are on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i islands.

More Info: Invasive Ants in Hawai‘i: Small Species, Big Problems