PestControlBasics
Menu

Identify

Treat

Local

About

Pests and pest control in Hawaii

Pests to know in Hawaii

Why each one matters here is cited in the sections below.

Pests documented in Hawaii

From public GBIF occurrence records since 1990. A record means a species was documented in Hawaii, not that it's common near you.

Many public records (166)

Fewer public records (159)

Range named by extension sources (6)

Termites in Hawaii

  • The Formosan subterranean termite is considered the most economically important insect pest in Hawaii.[2]
  • The Formosan subterranean termite was first officially recorded in Honolulu in 1913.[3]

Invasive species reported here

  • The little fire ant was first detected in Hawaii in the Puna area in 1999.[5]
  • The coconut rhinoceros beetle was first detected in Hawaii on Oahu in December 2013 and has since been found on other islands.[6]

Pests local experts flag

Roof rats and Norway rats are the rat species most often behind complaints in Hawaii, according to the state Vector Control Branch.[8]

Public agencies that handle pests

The Hawaii Department of Health Vector Control Branch traps mosquitoes for routine surveillance and uses integrated pest management for mosquito control.[7]

Hiring a licensed company

Hawaii's pesticide regulatory agency is the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (Pesticides Branch).[1]

Licensing agency: Hawaii Department of Agriculture — Pesticides Branch[1].

See also how to check a pest control license.

Free local help

University of Hawaii Master Gardener helplines on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island answer residents' gardening questions.[9]

Local guides in Hawaii

Through the year

Spring to Summer
Formosan termites in Hawaii have major swarms in May and June, though small flights can happen any time of year.[4]

Sources

  1. National Pesticide Information Center, “State Pesticide Regulatory Agencies.” npic.orst.edu/reg/state_agencies.html (accessed 2026-10-06)
  2. University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, “UH Termite Project.” manoa.hawaii.edu/ctahr/termite/index.php (accessed 2026-10-06)
  3. University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, “The Formosan Subterranean Termite in Hawaii.” www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/HSP-2.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
  4. University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, “Crop Knowledge Master: Coptotermes formosanus.” cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ckm/Home/Insects-and-Other-Pests/Termites/Coptotermes-formosanus (accessed 2026-10-06)
  5. Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity, “Little Fire Ant Information.” dab.hawaii.gov/pi/main/lfainfo/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  6. Hawaii Invasive Species Council, “Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle.” invasivespecies.hawaii.gov/crb-overview/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  7. Hawaii Department of Health, Vector Control Branch, “Mosquito Program.” health.hawaii.gov/vcb/mosquitoes/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  8. Hawaii Department of Health, Vector Control Branch, “Rodent Program.” health.hawaii.gov/vcb/rodents/ (accessed 2026-10-06)
  9. University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, “UH Master Gardener Helplines.” cms.ctahr.hawaii.edu/uhmgprogram/Helplines (accessed 2026-10-06)

Updated 2026-10-06. Every statement on this page comes from the cited state, federal or university source. Spot an error? Tell us.