Parks officials will close the Steam Vents parking lot at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Wednesday morning for the eighth treatment cycle of invasive little fire ants since eradication efforts began in February

The Steam Vents lot, as well as the trail from the lot to Wahinekapu, or Steaming Bluff, will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday, according to the National Park Service. Wahinekapu and Crater Rim Trail will remain open.

Parks officials first discovered the invasive ants in the Steam Vents area and Mauna Ulu parking lots in November of last year.

Since the park began treating the area, officials said little fire ants detections have decreased by at least 99% at Steam Vents. They were abundant and readily observed on vegetation and along the edge of the parking lot in 2018. In September, park pest control workers found the ants on just 0.1% of bait stations.

Pest control workers will treat the area every four to six weeks, with the goal of completely exterminating the ants from the area.

The little fire ants, which pose a major threat to native species, can deliver a painful sting when disturbed. They measure 1/16th of an inch long and are pale orange in color.

Visitors should check their gear and vehicles for little fire ants before going to the park. More information on little fire ants and how to prevent them from spreading is available at littlefireants.com.