Little Fire Ant

In 1999, a very tiny pale orange slow moving ant known as the little fire ant was discovered at Hawaiian Paradise Park on the Big Island.  Surveys conducted since then have revealed infestations on the east-side of the Big Island.  Statewide surveys have not revealed this ant to occur on any of the other neighboring islands. 

Little fire ants are usually found outdoors crawling on the ground, in and under potted plants, and on ornamental and fruit tree foliage and flowers.  They can also enter homes and sting occupants.  They produce painful stings and large red welts. The severity of the sting of little fire ant is out of proportion to its small size. For some people, "the sting lasts for three days, aching painfully at first and later itching intensely by spells."

The following are links to information relating to the little fire ant:

• HDOA New Pest Advisory - Little Fire Ant
• HDOA Plant Pest control Branch activities highlighted in the   Hawaii Department of Agriculture Annual 2006 Report  begining on page 27
• HDOA 2006 Annual Report - Chemical-Mechanical Section report
• UH CES - Stop the Little Fire Ant
• UH CES - Identifying the Little Fire Ant