On Hawai'i Island, this ant is spreading rapidly and packs a wallop of a bite!  It can live in your house, yard, trees, cinder and mulch pile - just about anywhere, wet or dry. The LFA is tiny - multiple colonies can live on a chunk of cinder the size of a golf ball. The LFA has been known to bite the eyes of livestock, pets and wildlife, sometimes causes blindness and death.

The LFA has been named the worst possible ant infestation by ant researchers around the world. The infestation began on the East side about 16 years ago. It is now spreading rapidly and is found from Kalapana to Laupahoehoe and possibly in Kohala (yet to be confirmed by DOA).

This ant species does not create territorial separations between colonies. Multiple colonies can exist right next to one another - so the LFA can completely cover large areas.

It is critical to test all incoming plant, soil and other imported materials and educate yourself on detection and controls presently available for this ant.  Please help contain its spread - do yourself and your neighbor a favor - Learn how to keep it off of your property!