Investigate it: Take a walk around your neighbohood, drive to a park, visit a friend, or just visit a new place. Early detection begins with looking around for the species on the Maui County priority pest list.

Inspect it: Once you've found a plant or animal that looks like a target species, compare it to the description and photos on the Maui County priority pest pages. Don't forget to compare it to the "look alikes" section. Sometimes the species can fool you.

Collect it: If you are unsure about what you've found, it's time to collect it. Learn how to collect pest specimens without causing harm to yourself or the environment.

Report it: Now you are ready to tell someone about your findings. Report your pest online, by phone, or at a walk in location.

Become a certified pest buster. Attend a community workshop:

• 10 June 2008- What's in my backyard? Invasive Plants/Animals of Kula
  free, 6-8:30 p.m., Walk the neighborhood fieldtrip (workshop attendance a prerequisite) 14 June, 2-4 p.m. Kula Community Center, East Lower Kula Road., Kula

• 26 June 2008- What's in My backyard? Invasive Plants/Animals of Paia/Haiku/Huelo
  free, 6-8:30 p.m., Walk the neighborhood fieldtrip (workshop attendance a prerequisite) 28 June, 2-4 p.m. Paia Community Center, Hana Hwy., Paia

• 10 July 2008- What's in My backyard? Invasive Plants/Animals of Kipahulu/Hana/Kaupo
  free, 6-8:00 p.m., Kipahulu Traingle Community Center

• 29 July 2008- What's in My backyard? Invasive Plants/Animals of Central Maui
  free, 6-8:30 p.m., Walk the neighborhood fieldtrip (workshop attendance a prerequisite) 02 August, 2-4 p.m. Kahului Community Center, 275 Uhu St., Kahului

• 14 August 2008- What's in My backyard? Invasive Plants/Animals of West Maui
  free, 6-8:30 p.m., Walk the neighborhood fieldtrip (workshop attendance a prerequisite) 17 August, 2-4 p.m. Lahaina Recreation Center, Shaw Avenue and Hono’apiilani Highway, Lahaina

Schedule your training to be a Maui County Priority Pest "eyes and ears" team member. Call 808-984-3716 or write to reportapest-maui@hawaii.edu for more information or to schedule a presentation for your school or community group.