HONOLULU (KHON2) — Do you have a little fire ant problem? The Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture has the solution for you — and it’s free of charge.
The state partnered with multiple pest control companies in a $1.1 million statewide contract to conduct treatments on about 580 residential properties.
Officials said the treatment program will be started on Oahu with programs for Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island being developed for the near future.
To sign up for the program, provide your name, address and phone number to the Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch through email at hdoa.pqlfa@hawaii.gov or call (808) 832-0566.
Homeowners and renters will then receive an LFA detection kit to confirm the detection of little fire ants.
Once the infestation is confirmed from the test kit, inspectors will then survey the area to determine a comprehensive treatment program.
A contractor will then “conduct eight applications of granular ant baits every six weeks, as well as the application of a product that inhibits the growth and development of LFA.”
Little fire ants are considered among the world’s worst invasive species and can cause detrimental effects to homes in Hawaii.
Officials said residents should check new plants for LFA before bringing plants into homes and yards to prevent the spread.
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Test kits can be found through the PQB by emailing hdoa.pqlfa@hawaii.gov.