Latest news with #MarigoldZoll
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials issue urgent warning after dangerous species discovered in forest reserve: 'A big threat to our quality of life'
For the first time ever, little fire ants have been found in a forest reserve in Hawaiʻi, and officials say the impacts could ripple far beyond the trails. Painful stings and long-term threats to pets, wildlife, and even tourism, this infestation is already pretty concerning. In February, a hiker in Hauʻula Forest Reserve reported being bitten while on the Ma'akua Ridge-Papali Trail, as reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. After testing a sample with peanut butter on a stick (a standard technique for tracking invasive ants), scientists confirmed it was the little fire ant, or Wasmannia auropunctata. It's the first time these ants have been found in an Oʻahu forest reserve. The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources immediately closed part of the area, including Hunting Unit C, to begin treatment. Officials say the effort to fully contain and remove the ants could take more than a year. "This little ant is a big threat to our quality of life and native plants and animals," said Marigold Zoll of DLNR's Division of Forestry and Wildlife, per the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Little fire ants are an invasive species known for forming large colonies in trees, potted plants, and even electrical boxes, not just dirt mounds like other ants. When disturbed, they sting, and the welts can last for weeks (ouch). In pets, especially our beloved cats and dogs, repeated exposure can lead to permanent eye damage or even blindness. But it's not just physical pain. These ants can drive people out of backyards, parks, and trails. They can harm native birds and other native plants and wildlife. And they spread fast. According to the Hawai'i Ant Lab, a single colony can quickly multiply, making early detection and treatment crucial. If left unchecked, this could derail conservation efforts in native forests and cost the state millions in long-term management. The impact on tourism, agriculture, and everyday life could be significant. DLNR, the Hawaiʻi Ant Lab, and the Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee are asking residents in the Hauʻula area to test their yards using a simple peanut butter and chopstick method. If ants are found, they'll help guide safe treatment plans. Should we be actively working to kill invasive species? Absolutely It depends on the species I don't know No — leave nature alone Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. On a larger scale, statewide efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species — including public testing kits and educational outreach — are already underway. For now, being aware, reporting sightings, and following biosecurity tips, such as checking plants before moving them, are key steps anyone in Hawaiʻi can take. Other invasive species efforts, such as artificial intelligence-powered tracking and community-led native plant restoration, show how important and possible early action can be. Stopping the spread now means keeping trails open, forests healthy, and communities secure in the long run. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Little fire ants detected for first time in Hauula Forest Reserve
COURTESY DLNR The tiny ants can deliver painful stings when disturbed, causing welts that can last for weeks—and potentially cause blindness in cats and dogs. COURTESY DLNR The tiny ants can deliver painful stings when disturbed, causing welts that can last for weeks—and potentially cause blindness in cats and dogs. State officials are closing a portion of the Hauula Forest Reserve on Oahu today to begin treating the area for invasive little fire ants. The Department of Land and Natural Resources said parts of the forest, such as hunting unit C and the Ma 'akua Ridge-Papali Trail, will be temporarily closed for LFA containment and removal efforts. Officials did not say how long this would last, but did say eradication efforts could take more than a year. DLNR said the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of hikers, pets, and hunting dogs. The tiny ants can deliver painful stings when disturbed, causing welts that can last for weeks—and potentially cause blindness in cats and dogs. Officials first detected little fire ants on a stretch of the trail and in the forest reserve after a member of the public was bitten Feb. 1 and reported it to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. A sample collected with peanut butter on a stick was sent to the Oahu Invasive Species Committee, which confirmed they were little fire ants. It is the first detection of the little fire ants in a forest reserve on Oahu, DLNR said. The state is working with OISC, the state Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Ant Lab to determine the full extent of the infestation and come up with a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include surveys and control efforts on surrounding private properties. Don 't miss out on what 's happening ! Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It 's FREE ! Email 28141 Sign Up By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser 's and Google 's and. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA. 'This little ant is a big threat to our quality of life and native plants and animals, ' said DOFAW Oahu Branch Manager Marigold Zoll in a news release. 'We don't want it to become established in our communities or forest areas, so we need to take quick action. We urge the Hauula community to help us in testing their homes and treating any infestations, so we ensure it is eradicated from the area.' The little fire ant does not build mounded dirt nests, DLNR said, but dwells in trees, potted plants, around irrigation lines, and in electrical boxes. DOFAW will attend the Hauula Community Association meeting on March 6 and the Koolauloa Neighborhood Board meeting on March 13 to discuss the little fire ants. 3 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? .
