SAIPAN – The Bureau of Biosecurity of the Division of Customs Biosecurity intercepted Polyrhachis dives, an invasive ant species, during routine vessel inspections aboard the MV Galaide at the Port of Saipan on Thursday, October 2.
The inspection, identification, containment, specimen collection, and eradication or suppression efforts began at 6:30am and concluded at 3:30pm that same day.
Customs Biosecurity officers assigned to the Invasive Species Eradication Team (ISET) followed strict protocols to prevent risks to the Commonwealth’s ecological and environmental systems. The invasive ants, known to overwhelm native species and prey on sugar-based foods including bananas, watermelons, coconuts, sugar cane, mangoes, sour saps, sugar apples, guavas, tapiocas, and sweet potatoes, could threaten local food crops if not immediately eradicated.
ISET coordinated with the Invasive Species Coordinator, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the Division of Agriculture under the Department of Lands and Natural Resources (DLNR) to ensure a timely response. Certified pest chemical applicators from an approved service provider were deployed, followed by contamination removal protocols to sanitize the Port of Saipan.
The Department of Finance and DLNR emphasized that intercepting invasive pests and microorganisms remains a high priority and pledged continued initiatives to protect the Commonwealth’s ports of entry.
