09-24-2010, 07:25 PM
Little Fire Ants are definitely in the top 100 problematic invasive species and perhaps one of the top 10 globally. Unfortunately they aren't a problem in Honolulu yet so the State isn't really making a concerted effort to control or eradicate them. That's one problem with a centralized government run from somewhere else.
Whenever trying to kill off a species it is very helpful to familiarize yourself with that particular species' life cycle in order to launch an effective campaign of death. There are something like 17 species of ants here in Hawaii with different preferences and life cycles and controls for one species may not be effective against another species. Little fireant or Wasmannia auropunctata is a particularly tenacious species because small groups of ants keep breaking off from the main colony and forming new colonies. They forage virtually 24 hours a day and can both bite and sting with a highly toxic venom which some people are highly allergic to. You may want to do an internet search on Wasmannia auropunctata to get some background information, and the resident expert from Hawaii runs this site: http://www.littlefireants.com/
Many people recommend the brand name Amdro, but Amdro makes a variety of products so make sure you get one which is labeled for Little Fireant. The active ingredient of the preferred product for Little Fireant is Hydramethylnon which is particularly attractive to the species. I have heard other people say that Amdro isn't that effective and suggest using a product called Extinguish Plus which is more expensive but perhaps more effective. It contains Hydramethylnon and S-Methoprene, and insect growth regulator.
When Little Fireant was discovered on Maui the Hawaii DOA made a real effort to squelch them and used a combination of chemicals for different areas: Hydramethylnon, Pyriproxyfen, and indoxacarb. I know you can buy indoxacarb gel over the internet in a Dupont product called Advion Ant Gel, but it is only supposed to be used by licensed professionals.
One approach to control would be to first bait the ants to attract them then follow up a couple/ few days later with a quick-kill product. If they are in your house you may want to form a perimeter of death outside the foundation with a granular synthetic pyrethroid products. They must be watered in well right after application to activate the product and keep them from harming pets and children.
Whatever chemicals you do decide to use I would recommend reading the label thoroughly and only use as directed. If you don't have the time, interest or inclination to do the research yourself you may want to contact a professional exterminator. Call or drop in on the DOA and ask for their help. You pay taxes that keep them employed so they should be willing work for you. Finally, you probably need to be aware that managing Little Fireant will be a long term commitment that will probably cost hundreds of dollars a year unless you move somewhere else that doesn't have them yet.