HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Multiple agencies around the state are encouraging residents to participate in "Stop the Ant Month," which runs through October. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You Residents are advised to collect and submit ants found on their properties to help detect if any little fire ants or other pests are new to the state. If gone undetected, the ants can create supercolonies with millions of stinging ants. According to the DLNR, the sting is painful and may cause itchy red welts that can last for weeks. If your pet is stung, they may experience injuries that can lead to blindness. Little fire ants pose threat to Papakolea community, surrounding areas Residents can spot LFA from their orange color. The ants also measure 1/16 of an inch long. "Detecting and controlling invasive ants is one the most important things we can do for our natural areas, our outdoor lifestyle, and our local economy. This campaign by HISC and our partners helps us understand where these ants are, and we thank our residents for taking the time to collect and submit samples from their yards and businesses," said DLNR Chair and HISC co-chair Dawn Chang. Officials said the most recent detections of LFA were on Kauai, Oahu and Maui. By participating in the campaign, residents can help decrease agricultural and infrastructure losses as well as medical costs for the state. Visit the Stop the Ant website to request your free ant-collection kit or make your own. The website also shows residents how to collect and freeze the ants. Check out more news from around Hawaii Once frozen, the sample can either be mailed or dropped off at one of the following locations for identification: Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee: 808-266-7994, 743 ‘Ulukahiki Street, Kailua, HI 96734 Maui Invasive Species Committee (also accepting samples from Lānaʻi), 808-573-6472, PO Box 983, Makawao, HI 96768 Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee, 808-821-1490, 7370K Kuamo‘o Road, Kapaʻa, HI 96746 Moloka‘i Invasive Species Committee, 808-553-4236, P.O. Box 220, Kualapuʻu, HI 96757 Big Island Invasive Species Committee, 808-933-3346, 23 East Kawili Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Hawai‘i Ant Lab in Hilo, 808-315-5656, C/O Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, 16 E. Lanikāula Street, Hilo, HI 96720 Hawai‘i Ant Lab in Kona, 808-209-9014, c/o CTAHR Extension Office, 79-7381 Old Māmalahoa Hwy, Kealakekua, HI 96750