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Hawaii Ant Lab

  • About
    • About us
    • What We Do
      • Research
        • Research Updates
        • LFA Bibliography
        • Gel Bait Applicators
        • IIAMW 2010
      • Extension
        • Upcoming Events
        • Request a FREE Test Kit
      • Field Operations
        • Pacific Ant Program
    • Meet Our Staff
  • LFA Intro
    • Introduction
    • Identification
    • Biology and Ecology
    • Origin and Distribution
    • Impacts
    • Successful Invader
    • Bibliography
  • Survey LFA
    • How to Survey for LFA
    • Request a LFA Test Kit
  • Treat LFA
    • How to Treat LFA Around Your Home
    • How to Mix HAL Gel Bait
    • How to Treat LFA in a Plant Nursery
  • Resources
    • Handouts & Videos
  • Ants of HI
    • Ant Photo Gallery
    • How to Treat for Pest Ants
  • Services We Offer
    • Services We Offer
    • Take a Class
  • FAQ
    • FAQ
Slide 1

Little Fire Ants

The first step in your battle against LFA is to “know thy enemy.” Learn about their unique biology and ecology.

LFA Background >>>

Slide 2

Scout out the enemy

Little Fire Ants are tiny and sneaky, and can go undetected on your property until their numbers are well established. Detect an invasion early with a survey!

Survey for LFA >>>

Slide 3

Defending the home

Learn how you can reduce the Little Fire Ant
problem in and around your home.

Treat for LFA >>>

Slide 4

Take a class

Learn pretty much everything you want to know about managing LFA around your home at one of our FREE monthly Ant Management Clinics.

Sign up >>>

Slide 5

Farm visits

We offer FREE farm visits to help with survey and treatment strategies
for the prevention and treatment of Little Fire Ants or other pest ants.

Contact us >>>

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Welcome to the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab

The Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, a program of the University of Hawai‘i Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit, is dedicated to increasing knowledge about invasive ant biology, management, and eradication.

Our Mission >>>

What We Do

Research

We study invasive ants and develop new methods to manage them. This is an ongoing process that makes HAL the leading agency on LFA management strategies in the world.

Learn More

Extension

We educate stakeholders on preventing the spread of invasive ants and provide best management strategies based on our research.

Learn More

Operations

We survey ports of entry, green waste facilities, nurseries, and other high risk areas for invasive ant species, as well as participate in LFA eradication efforts throughout the State.

Learn More

Ant Management Class

Once a month, Hawaiʻi Ant Lab conducts a FREE 1.5 hour class for residents and other interested persons. This class covers ant management basics from theory to practice and includes sessions on Little Fire Ant biology, how to survey, mixing and using gel baits, and pretty much everything you want to know about managing Little Fire Ants around your home.

Currently, we are holding the class on-line through Zoom on the last Thursday of every month. Register to obtain the Zoom link.

Take a class

News

We are hiring!

Hawaii Ant Lab
February 26, 2025

Oahu’s way of life is under threat from one of the world’s worst invasive species – Little Fire Ants (LFA)! We’re looking for a detail-oriented, highly organized individual to help lead LFA surveys and control efforts on residential properties and ports of entry across Oahu. This role involves overseeing field crew, collecting and analyzing data,…

Continue Reading We are hiring!

Amdro® Has a New Look!

Hawaii Ant Lab
February 26, 2025

If you’ve been to your local hardware store recently, you might have noticed that Amdro® has unveiled new packaging for its pest control products. Understanding Amdro® Products Amdro® offers a range of products designed to eliminate pests such as gophers, ticks, and ants. However, it’s important to choose the right product for the specific pest…

Continue Reading Amdro® Has a New Look!

Join Our Team

Hawaii Ant Lab
February 6, 2024

Wanting a job defending your community, the environment and our way of life on the islands? Interested in meeting new people, everywhere from Kahuku to Kahala? Do you have a strong drive to learn new skills such as GIS, invasive species control and public relations that will further your career in conservation? Apply to become a…

Continue Reading Join Our Team

Read more news

Connect With Us

hawaii_ant_lab

🐜 “Come and get me… if you can!” 🐜 St 🐜 “Come and get me… if you can!” 🐜

Step into the battle and join the fight to protect Hawaii from these menacing Little Fire Ants (LFA)!!!

We are hiring for two full-time positions on Oahu with benefits:

1. Field Crew & Data Management Leader - oversees field crew, collects and analyzes data, and drafts summary reports. Job ID #: 225120. Application due: 3/15/25. 

- Invasive Ant Research Assistant - surveys residential properties for LFA, identifies ant specimens, and collects and enters data. Job ID: 225146. Application due: 3/20/25

To apply, visit www.rcuh.com/work/careers, click on “Apply Now”, and enter the job ID # into the search bar.
🚨 Only 5 days left to apply! 🚨 Don’t miss 🚨 Only 5 days left to apply! 🚨

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to work for the Hawaii Ant Lab as our Field Crew and Data Management Leader! 

This beautiful view of the Koolau Mountains can be from your office as you plot your days on protecting Oahu from Little Fire Ants.

To apply, visit www.rcuh.com/work/careers, click on Apply Now, and search for job listing #225120. Applications are due 3/10/2025.
Oahu’s way of life is under threat from one of t Oahu’s way of life is under threat from one of the world’s worst invasive species - Little Fire Ants (LFA)!

We’re looking for a detail-oriented, highly organized individual to help lead LFA surveys and control efforts on residential properties and ports of entry across Oahu. This role involves overseeing field crew, collecting and analyzing data, and drafting summary reports.

Join our dedicated team and make a real impact helping protect Oahu‘s homes, farms, beaches, and forests from these stinging invaders! 

To apply, visit www.rcuh.com and search for job listing #225120. Applications are due 3/15/2025.
Join our team at the Hawaii Ant Lab! We are hirin Join our team at the Hawaii Ant Lab!

We are hiring multiple Invasive Ant Field Assistants on Oahu. Positions are temporary but have potential for extension.

Come help us survey neighborhoods to combat the growing number of little fire ant infestations on Oahu!

We are hiring immediately! Positions open till filled. If interested, please send inquiries to manager@littlefireants.com.
Wanting a job defending your community, the enviro Wanting a job defending your community, the environment and our way of life on the islands? Interested in meeting new people, everywhere from Kahuku to Kahala? Do you have a strong drive to learn new skills such as GIS, invasive species control and public relations that will further your career in conservation? Apply to become a Field Assistant with the Hawaii Ant Lab (HAL)!

HAL works hard to protect Hawai’i from harmful invasive ants and is looking to fill a Field Assistant position immediately. Applicants should have excellent communication skills, be organized and be able to operate independently or as part of a team.

To apply, go to www.rcuh.com and click on “Job Postings”. On the Job Search page, enter “224718” in the Key Words search bar.
🎃 Just your average pumpkin-head out here testi 🎃 Just your average pumpkin-head out here testing for Little Fire Ants! 🎃 

Get your free LFA test kit at  www.stoptheant.org and keep those creepy crawlers from haunting your yard! 🐜🛑✋

👻 Happy Halloween!!! 👻
Little Fire Ants (LFA) are so small and sneaky tha Little Fire Ants (LFA) are so small and sneaky that you might not notice them until they’re everywhere! 

The sooner you detect LFA on your property, the easier—and cheaper—it is to control them.

Get your FREE LFA test kit at www.stoptheant.org and stay ahead of the invasion! 🐜🛑✋
🎉 It’s your lucky day! 🎉 
Because you ge 🎉 It’s your lucky day! 🎉

Because you get a FREE ant test kit! And you get a FREE ant test kit! Everyone in Hawaii gets a FREE ant test kit! 🙌

Every Hawaii resident plays a crucial role in detecting harmful pest ants that may be new to our state. Help protect our community—collect and submit ants from your property.

Request your free test kit today at stoptheant.org 🐜🛑✋
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Make a Donation

Your donation will contribute to tackling the invasive ant issues faced by Hawaiʻi by supporting our research, extension, and field operation programs.

Donate

HAL logo

Hawaiʻi Ant Lab

Hilo Office
CTHAR Extension Center
875 Komohana St.
Hilo, HI 96720
808-315-5656

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Kona Office
CTAHR Extension Center
79-7381 Old Mamalahoa Hwy
Kealakekua, HI 96750
808-209-9014

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Oahu Office
CTAHR Research Station
41-698 Ahiki St.
Waimānalo, HI 96795
808-824-1366

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All photos are the copyrighted property of the photographer. Logo image credit: Eli Sarnat.
If you would like to use a photo on this website (personal or commercial), please contact us for permission.

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