Since April and through May, the MISC little fire ant crew has been working on the following surveys and treatment:
- Nāhiku: helicopter treatments five and six of eight.
- Twin Falls: treatment three of eight.
- Waiheʻe Valley: treatment four of eight.
- Lahinaluna High School: second treatment out of eight.
- Huelo/Haʻikū monitoring survey: no ants found
- Happy Valley: in the first post-treatment survey, no ants were found, though areas immediately adjacent to homes were not surveyed to adhere to physical distancing guidelines. The next survey will happen in mid – August. If ants are detected, these “hot spots” will be treated.
- Kaʻelekū: surveys (and ants detected) in small pockets. These hot-spots will be treated.
- Waiheʻe Farm: no ants detected at the first known infestation on Maui.
- Twin Falls: surveys downstream planned.
- Waiheʻe Valley: surveys downstream planned.
Interspersed with many of these treatments and surveys is a hefty amount of trail maintenance. The upkeep of these trails is labor-intensive but helps ensure the effectiveness of MISC’s surveying and treatment efforts.
MISC has added capacity to the LFA crew. In March, Miki’ala Pua’a-Freitas became full-time and Betsy Black joined the team. Miki’ala is a farmer and beekeeper, and Betsy was most recently an Interpretive Ranger at Haleakalā National Park. They join Monte Tudor-Long, the crew leader, and Joe Brower based in Hāna to bring the crew size to four.
You can help! Community surveys and reports are a key step to keep little fire ants from becoming established in Maui County. Protect our community while staying safe at home: survey your yard for little fire ants today
