Significant Little Fire Ant infestations discovered on Maui in Ha‘ikū and Kapalua

The Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) recently detected two significant little fire ant infestations on Maui: one in Ha‘ikū and one in Kapalua.

Field crew members discovered the Ha‘ikū infestation on May 8, 2026, following a community report of stinging ants. MISC estimates the infestation covers roughly 20 acres, spanning multiple private properties in the Uaoa area. Due to the site’s size and complex terrain, MISC will utilize aerial treatment via drone. Treatment is scheduled to begin in September. All affected landowners have been notified.

On June 25, 2026, MISC received a report of stinging ants in the Kapalua area made via 643pest.org, the statewide pest reporting platform. A follow-up visit confirmed the presence of little fire ants (LFA). The confirmed infested area currently spans nearly 40 acres, though survey projections estimate the total footprint could ultimately reach up to 125 acres as boundary mapping continues. Residents and property owners in and around the area will be kept informed about next steps and opportunities to participate in upcoming community meetings.

Native to Central and South America, little fire ants arrived in Hawai‘i in the late 1990s, likely as hitchhikers on a cargo or nursery shipment. Today, they are among the most destructive invasive species on the islands. The ants form supercolonies that blanket landscapes and infest everything in a three-dimensional space, from the ground to the treetops. LFA can even infest homes and furniture and, in some cases, have forced residents to move. Their painful stings cause rashes and welts that sometimes last for days or weeks and can leave pets blind if stung repeatedly in the eyes. Ecologically, LFA decimate biodiversity. Where present, they outcompete almost all other insects and displace native wildlife. Infestations can impact agriculture and tourism, and jeopardize the enjoyment of outdoor spaces such as beaches, parks, and trails.

MISC data shows LFA-infested land nearly doubled from 260.59 acres in January 2024 to 519.41 acres in July 2026. Community reports are critical to prevent LFA from becoming widespread on Maui, as 23 of Maui’s 30 total infestations were identified from public reports. Finding LFA early also prevents spread, as small infestations are easier to treat than large, complex sites. The Ha‘ikū and Kapalua sites suggest the infestations likely grew for years before being discovered, stressing the urgency of early reporting.

Little fire ants spread with the help of humans. LFA are tiny — an entire colony can fit in a macadamia nut shell — and easily stow away in nesting materials such as potted plants, soil, mulch, green waste, and landscaping materials. Because the original source of these new infestations remains unidentified, MISC strongly urges local nurseries, landscapers, and green waste haulers to regularly survey their properties and contact MISC to coordinate free ant surveys. Infestations often go unnoticed until someone is stung, highlighting why regular testing is vital across both commercial and residential sectors.

If you encounter stinging ants, please collect a sample or report it at 643pest.org or 643-PEST (7378). MISC recommends that residents collect ants on their property at least once per year and whenever they purchase new materials such as mulch or nursery plants. You can request a free survey kit at stoptheant.org or build one yourself using household materials.

Surveying for little fire ants is easy and only takes a few minutes. Smear a tiny bit of peanut butter or mayonnaise on several thin strips of cardboard or popsicle sticks and place them in shady areas around your yard. After 45 minutes, collect the samples with ants, place them in a plastic bag labeled with your name, address, and contact information, and freeze for 24 hours to kill the ants. Mail your sample to the Maui Invasive Species Committee at PO Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768. Even if you are sure the ants you collect are not little fire ants, samples are encouraged. Your ants not only help find little fire ant infestations, but may detect new harmful ant species not yet present in Hawai‘i, such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). 

With continued public participation and early action, Maui residents can help protect the island’s environment and way of life from the impacts of this invasive pest.

Report stinging ants at 643pest.org. Visit stoptheant.org to learn more about little fire ants in Hawai‘i or request a free survey kit. Contact MISC at 808-573-6472 or miscpr@hawaii.edu with questions or concerns.