little fire ants
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...
Dear Editor,
I wish to express my concern about an article on the little fire ants that appeared on page one of the December 31, 2025 edition of Samoa News. The article provides useful information to the public and is mostly accurate except for the headline, which is not correct. Unfortunately...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Little fire ants have been found on Tutuila for the first time. Their sting is painful and itchy, and they can harm plants and animals.
Please help protect our island by reporting any suspected infestations.
Little fire ants are only 1 millimeter long, orange, and slow-...
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The recent invasion of the little fire ant on Tutuila is causing concern not only in American Samoa, but also in neighboring Samoa. The extensive links and movement of people and goods between the two Samoas create a risk that the ant could accidentally be transported...

![Little Fire Ants on a pencil tip, showing how tiny this invasive species is. LFA were discovered for the first time at the ASCC- Land Grant in February 2026. It caused serious concern and has resulted in the halting of their programs that regularly distribute potted trees and vegetable seedlings from its greenhouses to the public until such a time that Land Grant staff members are certain that the LFAs have been completely eliminated from the area. Sale of vegetable seeds continue. [courtesy photo] Little fire ants on pencil](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/little_fire_ants_0.jpg?itok=DK0Ai0ql)

![ASCC-ACNR/Land Grant director Aufa’i Apulu Ropeti Areta (2nd right) welcomed visitors from the Independent State of Samoa’s environmental ministries, who came to learn firsthand about the invasive little fire ant, which has yet to reach Samoa. Pictured with Aufa'i are Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries ACEO Lupeomanu Pelenato Fonoti; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment CEO Tofa Ulu Bismarck Crawley Areta; and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment ACEO Seumaloisalafai Afele Faiilagi. [photo: J. Kneubuhl] ASCC-ACNR/Land Grant director Aufa’i Apulu Ropeti Areta (2nd right) welcomed visitors from the Independent State of Samoa’s environmental ministries, who came to learn firsthand about the invasive little fire ant, which has yet to reach Samoa. Pictured with Aufa'i are Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries ACEO Lupeomanu Pelenato Fonoti; Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment CEO Tofa Ulu Bismarck Crawley Areta; and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment ACEO Seumaloisalafai Afele Faiila](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/ascc-acnr_samoa_guests_-_little_fire_ant.jpg?itok=XxHSv8l6)