The Community Seed Library, sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona (F.O.L.K.), presents Little Fire Ant Awareness Meeting.

Little Fire Ants (LFA) have been identified by Hawai’i Ant Lab in multiple samples from Kailua-Kona, prompting this program. If you’ve been stung by Little Fire Ants, you know why these little ants are such a major problem. LFA are tiny, only as long as a penny is thick. They are reddish-orange in color and are relatively slow moving. LFA can sting you, your family, and your pets, as well as have major impacts on our agriculture industry. The first step to knowing if you have LFA is to do a simple survey. Handouts will be given at the program.

A representative from the Hawai’i Ant Lab (HAL) will present an informational session including a question and answer session on LFA. HAL will cover ant biology and methods for control. Understanding LFA biology can help the community control the ant problem. The HAL is based in Hilo, and they work with people in Hawai’i to provide solutions for the many impacts caused by this and other invasive ants. Their mission is to protect Hawai’i from new introductions of invasive ants, prevent the inter- and intra-island spread of existing invasive ant species, provide sound, practical treatment methods for homeowners, natural resource managers and industry, and eradicate new incursions whenever possible.

The HAL on the web: http://www.littlefireants.com

Program schedule is subject to change. Contact the library 15 days in advance to request a sign language interpreter or if special accommodations are needed. For more information, call Kailua-Kona Public Library at 327-4327.