HAIKU — The state Department of Agriculture has confirmed that a large forested area on Maui is infested with stinging little fire ants.
The invasive ants are native to South America. The state says the ant is considered among the world’s worst invasive species.
Crews from the Maui Invasive Species Committee reported being stung by the ants in the Nahiku area last month.
State agriculture workers took samples and confirmed Friday they are indeed little fire ants.
It’s estimated the infested area covers at least 20 acres along Hana Highway, which is much larger than recent infestations found on Oahu.
The state is working on treatment plans for the large, heavily infested area, which appears to be in rough terrain.
The ants have been on the Big Island since 1999.