HILO, Hawai'i — Little fire ants, feared for their powerful stings, have been found along the perimeter of the county's Hilo Greenwaste Mulching Facility, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

None were detected in mulch or greenwaste piles or at the Kona Greenwaste Mulching Facility.

The county Department of Environmental Management and Big Island EKO Systems, with the assistance of Agriculture Department, recently implemented a little fire ant control plan at the Hilo facility, officials said.

The ant, a native of Central and South America, was first noticed in the state in 1999 at Hawaiian Paradise Park in Puna. There are now more than 50 known infestations in East Hawai'i and one on Kaua'i.

The insects are a particular problem for farm workers. The ants climb up into plants and trees and drop off easily when disturbed, raining down in large numbers. They tend to get under clothing and into the eyes, and have been known to blind or kill pets and livestock.

The little fire ant's sting results in a burning sensation and intense itching that can last two weeks or longer.

The insects spread when they are transported to new sites in potted plants and on other plant material or rubbish. Officials are asking Big Island farmers and residents to help prevent the islandwide spread of the little fire ants by making sure green waste brought to county sites is free of the insects.