Oahu Invasive Species Committee

🎉 Big mahalo to everyone helping fight LFA on Oʻahu!

The reports from residents, landscapers, businesses, and community partners are making a real difference. Since little fire ants were first detected on Oʻahu in 2013, 111 infestations have been found, and 7 have already been eradicated.

Thanks to continued detection efforts and expanded treatment programs, we're seeing encouraging progress. In 2024, OISC received funding to help the effort and is now the lead for 24 active sites. Weʻve been about to reduce our site area under management from 122 acres to 54 acres, a 56% reduction.

This progress would not have been possible without the collaborative efforts of countless organizations! Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, Forestry and Wildlife, Hui o Koʻolaupoko, Board of Water Supply, Hawaiʻi Institute of Marine Biology, Aloha ʻĀina Drones, Conservation Dogs of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture's Biosecurity, Heʻeia National Estuarine Research, just to name a few! Plus, the many residents and property owners who have worked with us to detect, monitor, and treat infestations.

Little fire ants are not a lost cause. We know treatments work, and with continued cooperation, sustained funding, and dedicated staff, we can keep reducing infestations and protecting our communities, agriculture, pets, and native ecosystems.