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.
The Department of Agriculture’s doors have reopened to the public. The Hawaiʻi Ant Lab staff are here to assist with the following services:
- identify ant samples
- offer treatment advice
- conduct farm site visits to develop a treatment plan
- give virtual presentations to your organization, community group, or school
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.
Extension
We educate stakeholders on preventing the spread of invasive ants and provide best management strategies based on our research.
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.
Ant Management Class
Once a month, Hawaiʻi Ant Lab conducts a FREE half-day clinic for residents and other interested persons. This workshop covers ant management basics from theory to practice and includes sessions on pesticide safety, 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 workshop on-line through Zoom on the last Friday of the month from 8:30AM-12PM. Register for the class to obtain the Zoom link.
News
Provaunt® has been Discontinued
Provaunt® is a water dispersible granular insecticide with the active ingredient of indoxacarb. Several years ago, a Special Local Need (SLN) label was obtained in order to mix Provaunt® (EPA Reg. No. 100-1487) into the HAL Gel Bait for management of Little Fire Ants. Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued, and is no longer available…
New Products Available for Use on Coffee
Up until now, coffee growers have been limited on what they can use to treat Little Fire Ants (LFA). As of June 2021, two sister ant baits products have been approved by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for use on coffee (Coffea arabica) plants to control LFA. Antixx Fire Ant Bait (EPA Reg. No. 67702-56)…
Little Fire Ant Biocontrol
Recently, researchers detected a new parasitoid wasp (Orasema minutissima) in the South Hilo and Puna districts of the Hawai‘i Island. This is exciting news since this species of wasp is known to parasitize Little Fire Ants (LFA) throughout parts of their native range and in the Caribbean. Right now, we don’t know how long the…
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.
