To prevent the entry to the islands of these public health and environmental time bombs, DLNR held two Cooperative Agriculture Pest Survey Program, or CAPS, workshops in cooperation with visiting Hawaii-based U.S. Department of Agriculture and University of Guam specialists.
Guam recently identified the existence there of the little fire ant, a native of Central America.
Although the ants are so small they are barely visible with the naked eye, they are devastating to both the local eco-system and can be very dangerous to humans and animals — just ask the big island of Hawaii which was overrun by the unwelcome import.
These miniscule monsters eat through local vegetation like savages and cause allergic reactions and rashes in humans and blindness in animals.
DLNR’s extra push on the survey side includes placing traps in and around the vicinity of secure airport and seaport cargo areas and analyzing the snared specimens even though the process is extremely time-consuming — equivalent to “trying to find a needle in a haystack.”
Despite the time and money intensive nature of the CAPS program, DLNR is strongly committed to the effort even with the added difficulty of the austerity cuts.
Additionally, University of Guam staff also place traps in NMI’s agricultural and residential areas for more thorough surveys.
Do not…
Wrap up and import a plant or garden cutting while off-island.
It only takes one “beautiful” plant to spark an infestation that could destroy NMI’s native plants.
The now invasive Thai ivy gourd is one example of how a single imported plant can overrun and choke-out native vegetation.
Do…
Remember that quarantine inspectors are in service to NMI residents and its plants and animals.
Items are confiscated because the health of both the public and the environment hangs in the balance.
Notify the DLNR if you or someone you know experiences an allergic reaction or rash from ant bites by calling Ronald Route at 234-5498, ex. 1432.
For additional information, the public can call DLNR at 288-1045/322-9986 or visit www.littlefireants.com.
