Hawaii Ant Lab

Extension

Hawaiʻi Ant Lab’s (HAL) extension team bridges the gap between HAL’s research and practical use by various stakeholders. This is accomplished by sharing prevention strategies and providing sound treatment methods. You will see our team at events, online trainings, workshops, and presentations. You can also read articles and educational handouts we have developed to make managing your LFA as straight forward as possible. We do our best to serve the community whether you are a homeowner, farmer, nurserymen, landscaper, etc. We are here for you!

On the island of Hawaiʻi, the primary role of our extension team is to help people understand and choose the best treatment option for their situation. Everyone has different needs, circumstances, abilities, and resources which can affect how you manage your infestation. A 10,000ft home in Hilo will have a very different plan from a 20 acre papaya farm in Puna, which will also be different from a 3 acre coffee farm in Kona. Our job is to make sure your treatments are as effective as they can be given your situation, so we work with you to develop a site specific management plan.

On the other islands, the HAL extension crew focuses mainly on prevention and early detection measures. One of our favorite sayings is, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is very true for areas throughout the State, including those places on the Island of Hawaiʻi, that are not heavily infested. Contrary to what many may think, these ants are not everywhere already.  It takes work and a precautionary mind to avoid introducing ants to your property. We help people develop those skills to help prevent an infestation in the first place.

Extension team members Alison Wagner and Heather Forester (left to right) hosting an LFA information booth.
Kiyoshi Adachi giving a HAL gel bait mixing demonstration
to community members.

Upcoming Events

We will be giving a workshop or hosting an informational table at the following upcoming events.

Ant Management Clinic Flyer

Ant Management Class

Once a month, Hawaiʻi Ant Lab conducts a half-day clinic for residents and other interested persons. This free workshop covers ant management basics from theory to practice and includes sessions on biology, pesticide safety, mixing and applying gel baits, and pretty much everything you want to know about managing Little Fire Ants around your home. Reserve your seat today!

Take a class

Request a FREE Test Kit

Have you tested your property
for Little Fire Ants?

Just because you haven’t seen Little Fire Ants (LFA) in your yard, it doesn’t mean they are not lurking about. LFA are so tiny they can go undetected on your property for years until their numbers are well established.

Testing is quick and easy! Surveys should be conducted every 4-6 months. The sooner you detect them, the easier and cheaper it will be to control them!

What’s included in the kit:

  • Instructions on how to survey for LFA
  • Self-addressed envelope to send your specimens
  • 5 spray painted coffee stirrer sticks
  • Ziploc bag
Send me a test kit!

Contact Us

Contact us if you would like us to either:

Provide information

Do you need advice on how to treat for Little Fire Ants or other pest ant pest species?

Give a presentation

Are you an organization, community group, or school teacher and you would like us to give a talk?

Visit a farm

Are you a farmer and would like us to visit your farm to help develop a treatment plan?

Host a booth

Do you have an event you would like us to host an information booth at?