Being the most remote landmass in the world makes it difficult for many invasive plants and animals to be introduced to Hawaii. Visitors are pleased to learn that we don't have poison ivy, oak, or poison sumac. We don't have snakes, brown recluses, alligators, chiggers, and a lot of other pests usually feared on the mainland.

Once in a while, though, you will get bit. The following are a few of the pests responsible for the more common injuries in Hawaii:

Bedbugs- There has been resurgence in these pests over the past 3-5 years. Watch out for hotel rooms or couches, and if you live here, be very wary of any used furniture/ mattresses that you pick up. As disgusting and invasive as these pests are, the plus side is that they are not vectors of disease.

Ants- Actually, there are few biting ants here in Hawaii. The only place I have gotten bit is on the beach at the base of Diamondhead by small fire ants (Solenopsis germinate) attracted to our food.

Mosquitoes- Mosquitoes aren't nearly as bad here as many places on the mainland. However, damp areas, especially in the greener sides of the island will still harbor mosquitoes. As of this writing (2010) there were no cases of West Nile Virus originating in Hawaii.

Centipedes- These large (up to about 9 inches) insects use their front two feet to "bite" their prey and inject venom into the wound. These bites hurt, but are generally not medically dangerous unless bites occur in the lymph nodes or other sensitive areas. Watch for these pests in crevices, including bed sheets.
Bees and Wasps- Like other areas, watch out for wasps and bees. The big black or gold "bumblebee" looking bees are in fact carpenter bees. In my experience, the black ones are more aggressive, but do not sting.

There are also some pests that are not as common that may bite if the environment is right for them.

Toads- Hawaii's giant toads (Bufo marinus) can secrete a toxin from their skin and eyes. Injuries usually happen through pets mouthing a toad or idiots trying to hallucinate by smoking toad skins or licking the toads. Don't be an idiot.

Mites- One of the more interesting bites we investigate comes from bird mites whose hosts take up residence in the attics or rooflines. It's actually the bird nests that harbor the mites who then migrate to adjoining rooms or blow in through windows and bite the occupants. Simply removing the nests (and birds) will eventually solve the mite problem.

Fleas/ Ticks- Fleas and ticks are the same here as they are on the mainland, except with the year round temperate conditions, there is less a season and more a constant awareness for pet owners. Regular pest control, professional medicine, and keeping pets away from flea and tick prone areas are the keys to control.

Blue bubbles- These small blue bubbles with long (sometimes up to three feet) tails can cause painful stings. They are usually present during the summer and fall on the windward side of the islands. Although their stings are painful, they do not require medical attention, unlike the box jellyfish that appear on the leeward sides of the islands. With a box jellyfish influx, the beaches will usually be closed for a day or two.

Sharks- Although not the most common pests, stay out of murky or brackish water. It's always a good idea to use the buddy system in the water.

There are of course other pests here in Hawaii that can bite, but those (and even many of the ones listed here) are not very common. Aloha!