Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Little Fire Ants (LFA) are continuing to be a concern in American Samoa since the invasive species was first detected in 2018. Known for its painful and itchy stings, they threaten local ecosystems, agriculture, and everyday life for residents. Although efforts were quickly put in place to stop the spread of the LFA, it has continued to spread across Tutuila Island. Today, at least 26 sites on the island have been detected with this invasive species, raising concerns about the long-term effects on the territory’s environment and agriculture.

The LFA is extremely small and moves slowly on its own, which means that natural spreading happens gradually. However, human activity has made it much easier for the ants to travel from one location to another. Infested items such as potted plants, taro planting materials, plant cuttings, banana suckers, lumber, and firewood can unknowingly carry colonies of ants into unaffected areas. As a result, transport of these materials by residents has facilitated the ant’s rapid spread throughout the island.

In February 2026, the Little Fire Ant was discovered for the first time at the American Samoa Community College (ASCC) Division of Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources (ACNR), commonly known as Land Grant. Investigation found that the ants likely arrived hidden in old coconut husks that were brought from an external site and intended for use in plant potting mix.

This discovery posed a serious concern due to the regular distribution of potted trees and vegetable seedlings from the Land Grant greenhouses to the public. To prevent the further spread of LFA, these programs were immediately suspended, and the production of trees and vegetables were halted while researchers and staff members began efforts to contain and eradicate the infestation from the area.

The disruption of these important Land Grant programs highlights the broader impact of LFA on the local community, as many residents depend on these programs for access to trees, vegetables, and agricultural support. The programs will not resume distributing trees and vegetables (with the exception of greenhouses in Auto and Amanave) to the public until staff members are certain that the little fire ants have been completely eliminated from the area. Sale of vegetable seeds will continue.

The harmful impacts from the spread of LFA serve as an important reminder of the dangers posed by invasive species. Even small insects can create serious environmental, agricultural, and even economic problems when introduced into new ecosystems. Preventing further spread of LFA requires cooperation between government agencies, agricultural producers, and the public. Careful monitoring, responsible transport of plants and other materials, and continued treatment efforts are essential to protecting American Samoa from further harm from these ants.

Although the situation remains challenging, ongoing control programs and increased public awareness provide hope that the LFA can eventually be eradicated. By working together and following prevention measures, residents of American Samoa can help protect their environment, agriculture, and communities from the harmful effects of this invasive pest.