Entomologist Dr. Mark Schmaedick of the Land Grant Division of the American Samoa Community College says a federal grant for the American Samoa Biodiversity Conservation Office will open up resources to help control the spread of the little fire ants.
The little fire ants are pests which have a severe and painful sting and can infest trees, plant life, and homes. They were first found on island in 2018.
Dr. Schmaedick said that after their initial success with controlling the little fire ant populations in Tafeta, Aoloau, and Pago Pago, the COVID pandemic put a stop to their efforts. Now, much larger populations of the pest are being found in Amanave, Nuuuli, Mesepa, and Pago Pago.
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He said their staff alone is not able to carry out the work required to eradicate these new populations, and the grant awarded to the Biodiversity Conservation Office paves the way for assistance in the way of personnel and equipment
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The National Park of American Samoa is also concerned that the little fire ants have been found in an area of Pago Pago very close to park land. Dr Schmaedick says with the National Park, Biodiversity Conservation Office, and Land Grant working together, he is confident they can control the spread of this pest. He also acknowledged the assistance of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.
To report any sighting of the little fire ants, call 699-1575.
