County urges community vigilance following Little Fire Ant detections in Haʻikū, Kapalua

The County of Maui Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the Maui Invasive Species Committee, is urging residents, agricultural producers, landscapers and green waste haulers to survey their properties and remain vigilant following the detection of two significant Little Fire Ant infestations in Haʻikū and Kapalua.

The infestations identified by MISC include:

• Haʻikū (Uaoa area): Discovered May 8, 2026, following community reports of stinging ants. The infestation covers about 20 acres across multiple private properties. Due to challenging terrain, MISC will begin aerial drone treatments this month.
• Kapalua (Kapalua Golf and Plantation Estates area): Confirmed June 25, 2026, following a report through the statewide pest reporting tool. The confirmed infestation currently covers nearly 40 acres, with boundary mapping indicating the area could expand to as much as 125 acres. MISC is notifying affected residents and coordinating community informational meetings.

Known Little Fire Ant-infested acreage on Maui nearly doubled from 260.59 acres in January 2024 to 519.41 acres in July 2026. Community reporting remains critical: 23 of Maui’s 30 recorded infestations were discovered through reports from residents.

Little Fire Ants threaten agriculture, native biodiversity and public safety. They form dense colonies from the ground to tree canopies and deliver painful stings that can cause lasting welts and, in some cases, blindness in pets. They also can spread easily through potted plants, soil, compost, mulch and green waste.

“For our agricultural community, Little Fire Ants are an operational hazard that can halt harvests, threaten livestock and endanger field crews,” said County Department of Agriculture Director Rogerene “Kali” Arce. “We urge residents and businesses to take advantage of MISC’s free surveys before moving plants, compost or soil between areas.”

The department recommends testing properties at least annually and whenever receiving new nursery stock or mulch.

How to test for Little Fire Ants:

• Place thin strips of cardboard or wooden sticks with a thin layer of peanut butter or mayonnaise in shady, moist outdoor areas.
• Leave the bait out for 45 minutes, then place the sticks in a sealed plastic bag labeled with contact information and location and freeze for 24 hours.
• Mail frozen samples to MISC, PO Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768, for identification.

Residents are encouraged to submit samples even if they are unsure of the species. Testing also helps detect other high-consequence pests.

Free survey kits and information are available at stoptheant.org. Stinging ants can be reported at 643pest.org or by calling (808) 643-PEST (7378).

For information about field treatments, community meetings or survey assistance, contact MISC at 808-573-6472 ormiscpr@hawaii.edu.

For information about County agricultural programs and resources, contact the County Department of Agriculture at 808-270-8276, agriculture@mauicounty.gov, or mauicounty.gov/agriculture.