Where are Little Fire Ants Found?
LFA are in Hawaii, but they’re not everywhere. Little fire ants were first discovered in Puna on the east side of Hawaii Island. By the time the ants were discovered they had already been spread from infested plant nurseries throughout East Hawaii. Today LFA are established across the eastern side of Hawaii Island. Eradication on Hawaii Island is no longer possible, but the spread can be stopped. Very small infestations can be eradicated, as was the case on Maui. A small infestation, less than ½ acre, was successfully eliminated because it was detected early.

LFA are native to South America, but these tramp ants have spread to Florida, the Galapagos, West Africa, New Caledonia, and Tahiti. While it can’t survive outside of a warm habitat, it’s become a greenhouse pest in England and Canada.

To learn more about the efforts to combat the little fire ant in Hawaii and the rest of the Pacific go to www.littlefireants.com.

Spot the Ant. Stop the Ant.

Look for signs of infestation:

Painful stings on the neck and torso.

Pets blinded by stings in the eye.

Tiny pale orange ants as long as a penny is thick (1/16th inch).

Are ants stinging your neck or upper body?

Report it! The little fire ant is in Hawaii, but is not widespread. Report LFA to your local invasive species committee at Report-a-Pest or call 643-PEST.