Palm trees are priceless treasures. But the red palm weevil will bore into these trees & kill them. Sometimes before you even know they’re there!
Red Palm Weevil
Damage: General, irreversible decline of young leaves as a result of a weevil infestation. With Canary Island Date Palms, and other similar palm species, the older leaves begin to droop during the earliest stages of infestation.
Soon the leaves collapse completely. As the infestation progresses, severe rotting causes the top of the palm to fall over. This is referred to as “popped neck.” Large holes in the trunk is evidence of boring weevils. However, by the time these are noticed, the damage to the tree is usually fatal.
Popped Neck Evidence of Borers on Palm Trunk
Prevention & Treatment: Detecting a weevil infestation before lethal damage is done is very difficult. For this reason, vigilant and persistent preventative treatments are recommended. We recommend preventative treatments with systemic neonicitinoid insecticides twice per year since the effectiveness of the product wears off in 7-8 months.
Keeping the tree well-fed and healthy is also beneficial for weevil prevention. Stressed, wounded or dying palms emit odors that attract adult weevils.
If you have questions or would like preventative treatment, please call our office or click here. We’ll be happy to help.
