East Hawaii Battles Widespread Little Fire Ant Infestation
East Hawaii is grappling with a widespread infestation of little fire ants, with every district of the Big Island affected. These invasive pests, considered among the world's worst, pose a significant threat to residents and the environment. In response, authorities have launched a campaign to control their spread.
Little fire ants are tiny, measuring just 1/16 of an inch, and are easily recognizable by their orange color. They can fall from trees or vegetation, stinging victims and causing painful, itchy red welts that can last for weeks. Their stings, while not life-threatening to humans, can cause serious harm to animals, particularly pets, with repeated exposure.
To combat this menace, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and local community organizations have joined forces for 'Stop the Ant Month' in October. Residents are encouraged to collect and submit ants from their properties for identification. Free ant-collection kits are available at www.StopTheAnt.org. The Hawaii Ant Lab can also help with identification if residents suspect an infestation on their property.
Little fire ants are now widespread throughout East Hawaii, and controlling their spread requires collective effort. Big Island residents are urged to participate in 'Stop the Ant Month' to protect themselves, their pets, and the environment from these invasive pests.
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