Imagine that it is the 1830s and mosquitoes, entrenched on Maui, are just discovered on Oahu.

With concerted action, Oahu residents could have kept this environmental menace from their island. How grateful we would be today to those who helped stop the spread of this invasive species.

Some 185 years later, Oahu resident are facing a far more menacing threat to our health, our homes, our businesses — little fire ants (LFA). These ants:

» Have a painful sting that turns intensely itchy and lasts for days.

» Sting the eyes of pets and animals, causing blindness.

» Have driven people from their homes, yards, and farms.

» Are impossible to eradicate once they are entrenched because they nest in and on the ground and in trees. An entire colony can fit in a macadamia nut shell, so it is difficult to find and exterminate every single colony.

Anyone who has any doubt about the seriousness of this threat needs to view a short video put out by the Maui Invasive Species Committee at http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mJ8TQ_ASsYQ.

Little fire ants arrived on Hawaii island from South America sometime before 1999. Just 15 years later, LFAs are entrenched in many areas of that island. But it’s not too late to stop their spread on Oahu.

In December 2013, LFAs were found in haupuu logs imported from the Big Island, which were sold and distributed throughout Oahu. All of the hapuu has not been accounted for.

LFAs have been discovered in Waimanalo and in Mililani Mauka, and some of these infestations appear to be several years old. LFAs can also be spread in cut flowers and foliage, fruits, plants and trees, and even cinder and mulch from infested areas.

Government agencies do not have the resources to test and monitor for new infestations on an islandwide basis. They can only respond to reports made by citizens and businesses.

That’s why Waimanalo residents are conducting a "Stop Little Fire Ants" campaign. On Nov. 1, residents and volunteers will have a community monitoring day to survey for LFAs around the known infestation site and the surrounding neighborhood areas.

We ask our neighbors in other communities, particularly those in wet areas, to join us in testing for these threatening ants.

Testing is simple: LFAs are attracted to regular smooth peanut butter, and a small amount spread on a stick placed in moist, shady areas will attract them within an hour.

For more information about little fire ants, including a short video that shows how to survey for these insects and how to report your results, see http://www.lfahawaii.org/.

Homeowners and business owners must lead this fight. Let’s make Nov. 1 "Stop Little Fire Ant Day" on Oahu. We have a chance to save Oahu for future generations.