Hōlua Area to Close for Pesticide Control of Invasive Ants

Haleakalā. File photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The Hōlua area of Haleakalā National Park will be closed on Thursday evening July 11, 2013, as park biologists work to control the spread of non-native Argentine ants, officials said.

Park officials say the area biologists will apply a small dose of granular pesticide, which is expected to break down after 24 hours.

According to park officials, the ants prey upon native insects, including the “highly vulnerable” endemic yellow-faced bee, which is a primary pollinator of the threatened Haleakalā `āhinahina or silversword plant.

The area is scheduled to reopen on the evening of Friday, July 12.

***Supporting information courtesy Haleakalā National Park.