Islanders on Hawaii are running scared as an invasion of venomous fire ants has taken hold on the pacific island group with people being stung in their beds.
Residents of the US State have been warned to check their homes for the tiny insects following their discovery at Wailua River State Park.
The infestation is believed to have begun at a private home and is the biggest seen on the island since they were first seen in 1999, SFGATE reported.
Fire ants are known to be aggressive and possess a venomous sting which can cause painful welts which develop into blisters.
The ants’ venom can cause a life-threatening reaction in some people.
Heather Forester, extension specialist at Hawaii Ant Lab, said of the problem: “They’re changing the way of life for our residents here in Hawaii, you used to be able to go out hiking and go to the beach.
“They can rain down on people and sting them. The stings are different for different people. “In heavily infested areas, the ants can actually move into people’s homes. We have a lot of reports of them stinging people while they sleep in their beds."
The ants are native to central and south America and are thought to have arrived more than two decades ago aboard a ship and thrive in shade, trees and water.
The infestation is currently limited to Wailua River State Park although experts are concerned it could spread down the river to other parts of the state.
Haylin Chock, of the Kauai Invasive Species Committee, added: “That’s really the concerning part, it would infest the entire state park.
"If they are at that point, they can start climbing trees. It’s like a paradise for them.
“If that happens, how are we supposed to know where they are?"
The Hawaii Ant Lab warned the fire ants attack domestic animals including cats and dogs as they rest in gardens and run around in fur, stinging the soft tissue.
Some also attack the animals’ eyes, causing a clouding of their corneas.
Last month it was reported the UK is in the midst of an explosion of 'mini vampire' infestations of bed bugs .
The rise in international travel this year means the blood-sucking pests have hitchhiked into Britain.
Rentokil Pest Control revealed the number of enquiries about bed bugs soared this summer , up 23% from last year.
It is the highest number since before the pandemic, and the firm said it was likely due to the renewed volume of international travel.
Families going abroad for the half-term holidays could be bringing back unwanted foreign pests to homes and hotels, it said.