Skip to main content
Daily Mirror

Invasion of fire ants "raining down" on Hawaii amid warnings to people and pets

An invasion of tiny venomous fire ants have been discovered in Hawaii, leading to concerns for people and their pets as their stings can cause an allergic reaction to some

The fire ants have infested an area of Hawaii, leading to concerns for people's welfare
The fire ants have infested an area of Hawaii, leading to concerns for people's welfare(Image: Getty Images/EyeEm)

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.


Article continues below

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.


READ MORE: Ways David Attenborough cheated death - stabbed, knocked unconscious and killer wave
Experts are concerned the infestation could spread
Experts are concerned the infestation could spread(Image: De Agostini via Getty Images)

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.

The ants have been stinging people in their beds
The ants have been stinging people in their beds(Image: Getty Images)

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.

The ants arrived in Hawaii from overseas
The ants arrived in Hawaii from overseas(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

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.

Article continues below

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.

READ MORE: 'Yelping' Matt Hancock stung by SCORPION on I'm A Celebrity as medics rush to treat himREAD MORE: Man fights to control massive 75-pound boa constrictor found near homeREAD MORE: Three people killed in horror road crash between van and carREAD MORE: Lost dog hands herself in at police station in emotional moment caught on CCTVREAD MORE: Massive Snowdonia mountain fire 'looks like scene from Lord of the Rings'
Follow Daily Mirror:

AnimalsAllergiesInsects
reach logo

At Reach and across our entities we and our partners use information collected through cookies and other identifiers from your device to improve experience on our site, analyse how it is used and to show personalised advertising. You can opt out of the sale or sharing of your data, at any time clicking the "Do Not Sell or Share my Data" button at the bottom of the webpage. Please note that your preferences are browser specific. Use of our website and any of our services represents your acceptance of the use of cookies and consent to the practices described in our Privacy Notice and Cookie Notice.