• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • News
  • Take a Class
  • Contact Us
  • Donate

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 >>>

previous arrow
next arrow

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 >>>

We Moved!

Our new Hilo office is located a the CTAHR Komohana Research Center. Our mailing address is: Hawaii Ant Lab, 875 Komohana St, Suite 213, Hilo, HI 96720.

Please call us at (808) 315-5656 before stopping by to ensure staff are available to assist you.

Learn More

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 once a Thursday every month. Register to obtain the Zoom link.

Take a class

News

Our Hilo Office Has a New Home!

Hawaii Ant Lab
May 21, 2025

We’re excited to share that the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab’s Hilo office has officially moved! Our new location is at the CTAHR (Center for Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources) Komohana Research and Extension Center on the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo upper campus. We are no longer located at the Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture (16 E. Lanikaula St). Mailing Address…

Continue Reading Our Hilo Office Has a New Home!

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!

Read more news

Testimonials

“On behalf of my ʻohana and our neighbors, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab and Kiyoshi for empowering us with the knowledge and tools to combat LFAs. We feel confident that, with your guidance and Kiyoshi’s expertise, we can protect our ʻāina and preserve the cultural practices, like hunting, and farming that are so vital to our way of life. I wholeheartedly recommend Kiyoshi for his outstanding service, cultural sensitivity, and ability to inspire community action. His work is a shining example of aloha in action, and we are deeply grateful for his presence in our community.”

– James Land, Hawi Resident

Connect With Us

hawaii_ant_lab

Got ants? We can help! 🐜 When you email us a phot Got ants? We can help! 🐜

When you email us a photo of an ant, it’s often hard to identify the species 🤷🏽‍♀️.

But if you mail us your ant samples, we’ll happily take a closer look under the microscope 🔬 and identify them accurately.

Bonus: we’ll also share tips on how to control them!

Get your free ant test kit at stoptheant.org!
Just because you haven’t been stung or spotted Lit Just because you haven’t been stung or spotted Little Fire Ants (LFA) doesn’t mean they’re not there.

These tiny invaders can go unnoticed for years before you realize they’ve taken over.

🐜 Be proactive! 
The best way to know for sure is to test your property. Lure them with a tasty treat they can’t resist — peanut butter!

🕐 It’s quick, easy, and effective.
Do an LFA survey every 4–6 months to catch them early. The sooner you detect them, the easier and cheaper they are to control!

Order your FREE ant test kit at stoptheant.org!
Protect our keiki, pets, and way of life from Litt Protect our keiki, pets, and way of life from Little Fire Ants (LFA) 🐜

These invasive pests sting our keiki and pets as they play outdoors, and they’re spreading fast.

It’s our kuleana to protect what we love. 

Get your FREE test kit today at StopTheAnt.org to check for LFA or other harmful ants on your property.
October is “Stop the Ant Month” in Hawaiʻi! Jo October is “Stop the Ant Month” in Hawaiʻi! 

Join the statewide multiagency effort to protect our islands from invasive ants! Throughout October, residents are encouraged to collect and submit ants from their yards and homes. Your samples help us detect and control the spread of little fire ants (LFA) and spot any new harmful ant species that may be new to the state.

To order your FREE ant test kit and learn how to test, visit stoptheant.org.

Every ant sample counts - send in your ants today!
🥊🐜 Come jump in the ring and join the fight agains 🥊🐜 Come jump in the ring and join the fight against one of the world’s most invasive ants - Little Fire Ants! 🐜🥊

The Hawai‘i Ant Lab is looking to hire 3 full-time technicians to join our O‘ahu team! 

As a technician, you will:
🌱 Conduct field surveys
📝 Help identify ant samples
👩🏽‍🏫 Provide training + outreach
💪 Support eradication + mitigation efforts

💵 Pay: $4,071/month
📍 Location: Oahu
✅ Full benefits through RCUH

Interested? Apply today 👉 rcuh.com/opportunities/job-openings

Closing date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 
Job listing ID: 224593
We are excited to be expanding our team in Kona! A We are excited to be expanding our team in Kona! As an invasive ant field assistant, your role will be to conduct field surveys for invasive ants, identify ant specimens, and assist with outreach efforts, advising residents on the prevention and control of little fire ants.

Want to make a difference in your community? 
Apply today at www.rcuh.com (search for job listing #225405).
Applications are due 8/15/2025.
We’ve partnered with Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car and Hoʻōl We’ve partnered with Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car and Hoʻōla Farms to offer a FREE in-person Little Fire Ant (LFA) Workshop for farmers, as part of their Intro to Grow series.

If you’re a farmer feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of managing Little Fire Ants on your farm, we’re here to help you take control. This workshop will cover:

- LFA biology and behavior

- Effective detection methods

- Control options for agricultural production systems

When: Friday, August 8th, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: 230 Kekuanaoa, Hilo, HI

Register: Sign up at www.hoolafarms.org/intro-to-grow-schedule/. Limited to 20 participants.

@hoola_farms
@hawaiifarmtocar
🐜 “Come and get me… if you can!” 🐜 Step into the 🐜 “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.
Follow on Instagram

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., Bldg B, #213
Hilo, HI 96720
808-315-5656

fgfgfg

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

ghghghghhgh

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

bfbfbfb

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.

Copyright © 2025 • Sitemap • Designed by Websites with Aloha • Log in

Scroll Up