Karen asks: I think I have little fire ants on my property. What should I do?
Tropical Gardener answer: If the ants you see are very small (about 1/16th inch), slow-moving red (rust colored) and they sting, you probably have LFA. Luckily, several opportunities to learn about little fire ant control and get vouchers for buying ant bait and spreaders are scheduled. The free workshops and vouchers are sponsored by the Hawaii County Department of Research and Development and will be offered in North Kona on the first Wednesday evenings of January, February and March.
Workshops on Wednesday, Jan. 4, Feb. 1 and March 1 are from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Cooperative Extension Office in Kealakekua (up the drive across from the Aloha Theatre). To receive a set of vouchers toward purchasing ant bait and spreaders you must attend one of these workshops conducted by the Hawaii Ant Lab. Attendees will be trained to apply the pesticide against the ants effectively. You must register to attend by calling Glenn Sako at 961-8811 or e-mailing glenn.sako@hawaiicounty.gov. Alternatively, you can register for one of the workshops at http://bit.ly/2eYWIvx.
Friends of the Libraries, Kona is also offering an LFA awareness meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Kailua-Kona Public Library. This awareness meeting is free and open to the public, but no vouchers will be available at this session.
According to the Ant Lab, qualifying ant baits that can be purchased with the vouchers are Amdro Fire Ant Bait, Siesta, Tango and MaxForce Complete. A handheld bait spreader can also be purchased. You may need to be vigilant to kill off the population on your property, spraying about once a month for several months. You may also need your neighbors to participate so the ants don’t just move next door.
If you want help with positively identifying your ants, you can gather some by putting out a chopstick with peanut butter on it. When (or if) the ants arrive, put them and the chopstick in a plastic bag, seal it closed and put it in the freezer. You can either call the Hawaii Ant Lab at 315-5656 to ask about mailing in a sample or take the specimens to one of the upcoming workshops. Just be sure the ants are dead and the sample bag is sealed tight.
Email plant questions to konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu for answers by Certified Master Gardeners. Some questions will be chosen for inclusion in this column.
Diana Duff is a plant adviser, educator and consultant living on an organic farm in Captain Cook.
Farmer Direct Markets
Wednesday: “Sunset Farmers Market,” 2 p.m. to sunset at the north makai corner of the Kmart parking lot.
Wednesday and Friday: “Hooulu Farmers Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay
Saturday: “Keauhou Farmers Market,” 8 a.m. to noon at Keauhou Shopping Center
“Kamuela Farmer’s Market,” 7 a.m. to noon at Pukalani Stables
Sunday: “South Kona Green Market,” 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Amy Greenwell Garden in Captain Cook
Tuesday through Saturday: “U-Pick greens and produce.” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tropical Edibles Nursery, Captain Cook.
Plant Advice Lines
Anytime: konamg@ctahr.hawaii.edu
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES in Kainaliu, 322-4892
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon at UH-CES at Komohana in Hilo, 981-5199 or himga@hawaii.edu.