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Crews with the Maui Invasive Species Committee say aerial eradication efforts of a 175-acre little fire ant infestation in Nāhiku has reached a turning point. The infestation was discovered in 2014 during an effort to remove invasive Nicosia plants from the area.
HONOLULU — October is “Stop the Ant Month” in Hawaiʻi, and a multi-agency effort throughout the month will encourage residents to collect and submit ants
Little fire ants are considered among the world’s worst invasive species. Little fire ants are tiny ants, measuring 1/16 of an inch long, and orange in color. Little fire ants move slowly and stings tend to occur when the ants fall from trees or vegetation onto people, or when infestations become so large that the ants move into yards, homes, and businesses.
Two people who have successfully helped the Maui Invasive Species Committee since its inception are Teya Penniman, acting manager, and Christy Martin, who started with MISC in 2000, but now helps with statewide issues including policy and funding. Maui Now’s Gary Kubota interviewed Martin and Penniman as part of this People of Maui series.
The Hawaiʻi Senate showed support for three bills that set aside funds to fight invasive species.