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Identification:
This small orange ant is 1.6 mm (1/16 in) long. This ant is not aggressive and MOVES VERY SLOWLY AND SLUGGISHLY, but will sting when trapped under clothing or in hair. The sting PRODUCES LARGE WELTS that persist for days. Little fire ant does NOT build mounded dirt nests, and nests in a variety of habitats including in trees, around potted plants, irrigation lines, and in electrical boxes.
Impacts: The speck-sized ant invades agricultural areas and nurseries putting coffee
growers and flower pickers at risk of being stung. Many farm owners have had diffi culties retaining workers who fear the fi re ant bite. Besides being a serious nuisance to humans, this ant has been known to attack the eyes of domestic animals and blind them.
Dispersal Mechanism: LFA will find their way into the nooks and crannies of potted plants, flowers, clumps of grass, and leaf litter. To the dismay of many residents, little fire ants also enter Big Island homes getting into clothes, beds, furniture and food. In Hawaii, the little fire ant is currently found the Big Island and small, contained infestations on Maui an Kauai. If you encounter this ant anywhere else let someone know!
Visit the Pacific Ant Invasive online key or download the Identifying the Little Fire Ant flyer  for more identification details.
You can test for LFA in your area with peanut butter bait (use these collection instructions). Take your ant samples to one of the walk-in locations for identification!
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Tropical fire ant (Solenopsis geminata):
The tropical fire ant is common throughout Hawaii. A microscope is required to tell the difference between the tropical and other fire ants. This small red ant is 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 in) long, much larger than the little fire ant. Some of the workers will have proportionately large heads. This ant is restricted to dry coastal areas and nests in the soil, it does not construct mounds. Tropical fire ant stings will cause irritation, but should not cause white pus filled blisters that persist for days.
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Tropical fire ant worker with a proportionately large head
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