09-27-2010, 04:28 PM
LFAs are 24/7 foragers and do bite people in bed. Especially if you use creams or lotions that are attractive to them. Sometimes people first think they have bed bugs until they see an actual ant. They are also drawn to ear wax on q-tips, used band aids, scabs and dried blood and used kleenex. (Don't ask how I know, just trust me!)
I was doing recess duty 2 weeks ago in Mo'ohea Park, sitting under one of the monkey pod trees when a fire ant dropped onto my neck and got me good. I got a good look, and it was a LFA for sure, plus for me the bite has a distinct signature. I would guess they are coming into Hilo from Puna via the farmers market. Hilo is not immune to these non native invasive little terrors. We bought a flat of orchids one time that were infested, luckily we figured it out and after we thoroughly washed the plants' roots and leaves, the bark from the whole flat went into the freezer, before they spread. Nasty little critters, although centipedes and scorpions really freak me out.
Carol
I was doing recess duty 2 weeks ago in Mo'ohea Park, sitting under one of the monkey pod trees when a fire ant dropped onto my neck and got me good. I got a good look, and it was a LFA for sure, plus for me the bite has a distinct signature. I would guess they are coming into Hilo from Puna via the farmers market. Hilo is not immune to these non native invasive little terrors. We bought a flat of orchids one time that were infested, luckily we figured it out and after we thoroughly washed the plants' roots and leaves, the bark from the whole flat went into the freezer, before they spread. Nasty little critters, although centipedes and scorpions really freak me out.
Carol
Carol
Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Polish Proverb
Every time you feel yourself getting pulled into other people's nonsense, repeat these words: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
Polish Proverb