Invasive little fire ants have infested about 20 acres of forest in Nahiku, Maui, according to the state Department of Agriculture.

The ants were discovered in the area on Sept. 18 when personnel from the Maui Invasive Species Committee were repeatedly stung while attempting to eradicate miconia, an invasive plant.

On Thursday, DOA personnel visited the area and confirmed that little fire ants had infested a large swath of forest along Hana Highway.

The Nahiku site is the largest area of little fire ant infestation yet discovered in Hawaii. DOA, is working with the invasive species committee and the Hawaii Ant Lab to develop treatment plans for the site.