Program Background and Development:
In 2018, the Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) received a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority to work with Maui hotels and resorts on a program to prevent the spread of little fire ants (LFA). The program consists of two parts: 1) MISC staff looking for little fire ants on hotel and resort grounds; 2) development of a program to increase the resiliency of hotel and resort staff against the spread of little fire ants through education and adopting best management practices.
Fortunately, MISC staff has found no little fire ants during their searches at Maui hotels and resorts. We have conducted phone surveys and expert interviews with grounds staff across Maui in determining the components of the LFA resiliency program.
Program Overview:
Through phone interviews with hotel and resort staff, we have found that awareness of little fire ant is relatively high, yet also have found the staff are not sure which species of ants warrant reporting. The resulting program is designed to provide basic ant identification resources (poster and field guide) and guidelines for best management practices that groundskeepers and supervisors can adopt to reduce the likelihood of little fire ants reaching their property.
- Participation in the program requires the following:
1. Implementing a training program for groundskeepers that consists of:
- Watching a 7.5 minute video on little fire ants in Hawaii,
- Displaying an identification poster (provided) about the little fire ant,
- Distributing the portable identification guide (1 copy provided) to appropriate staff to use while working around the property.
Choose either:
2. Testing any incoming plant material (potted plants) and bedding material (mulch, cinder, soil, etc.) for little fire ants and submitting any suspect ants for identification.
- Testing guidelines
- Replacement labels
- Mail to: Maui Invasive Species Committee, PO Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768
Or
3. Conducting an annual survey of the resort property for little fire ants and submitting any suspect ants. Again, material and instructions are provided but not necessary. We can send you a reminder to test by email if you request.
To acknowledge efforts to protect your guests and Maui from the little fire ant, we developed a Little Fire Ant Prevention Partners logo for use on marketing material and websites. If you would like to participate in the program, please contact Lissa Strohecker at miscpr@hawaii.edu.
Resources and continued support:
Learn more about the little fire ant and find regular updates online at SpotTheAnt.org and by following the SpotTheAnt Facebook Page or the Maui Invasive Species Committee’s Facebook Page. If you would like to participate in the program, please contact Lissa Strohecker at miscpr@hawaii.edu.
- Mama’s Fish House Restaurant and Inn
- Fairmont Kea Lani
- Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
- Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
- Hotel Wailea
- Wailea Ekahi Village
- Palms at Wailea Maui
- Wailea Ekolu Village
- Hale Pau Hana Resort
- Wailea Grand Champions
- Andaz
- Maui Beach Hotel
Project Supported by:
