Due to its remote location, Hawaii is one of the few places on the planet that do not have an endemic ant species; however, since the arrival of humans over 57 ant species are established in Hawaii. Ants such as the little fire ant are currently of major concern among Hawaii environmentalists as they not only can cause bodily harm, but place added stress on already stressed endemic plants and animals.
Ants in Hawaii have established populations across all the variety of life zones, from sea level subtropical rain forest all the way to sub alpine shrubland and alpine desert.
Ant Control
Most Hawaii property owners have some ant presence inside or nearby their property. Ants in Hawaii are a fact of life, but for some they are more than a nuisance. Here are a few things you will need to understand about ant pest control while living in Hawaii:
How they get inside: Ants can find their way inside a structure through infintisemal cracks. Generally, they are drawn to moisture and food sources in your cupboards, pantry or floor.
How do ants find their way: Ants leave invisible peromone trails to food sources for other ants to follow.
Where do they live: Ant nests can be located virtually anywhere; grass, trees, stumps, beneath home foundations. Colony sizes are large, around 500,000 individuals. They also posses the ability to move on a moments notice if threatened.
How long do they live: Worker ants can live up to 7 years, and longer in optimal conditions. An individual ant colony can last a longtime, with the queen living as long as 15-20 years.
Why do most DIY methods not work: Most home ant control methods only kill visible ants and do not kill the source or colony. Additionally, many do it yourself ant control methods do not take into consideration the ant species and that it may require a unique ant control approach.
Types of Ants in Hawaii
- Crazy Ants / Long Legged Ant: World wide tramp, common in dry areas. Named Crazy Ant for it’s quick, erratic movements.
- Argentine Ant
- Big Headed Ant
- Little Black Ant
- Pharaoh Ant
- Twig Ant
- Fire Ant
- Hawaiian Carpenter Ant
- Tiny Yellow Ant
- Tropical Fire Ant