HomeRed Palm Weevil
Red Palm Weevil in Cyprus: Signs and What to Do
The red palm weevil is a large beetle whose larvae feed inside the crown and trunk of palm trees. It has killed a great many palms across Cyprus, and by the time the damage is obvious it is often too late to save the tree.
Canary Island date palms are attacked most often, followed by date palms. Other palms are less commonly affected but are not immune.
Signs of Red Palm Weevil
- The crown droops, flattens or leans to one side
- New fronds in the centre look chewed, notched or stunted
- Holes in the trunk or at the base of the fronds
- Brown, sticky liquid oozing from the holes
- Chewed fibre that looks like wet sawdust
- A sour, fermented smell
- Cocoons or adult beetles among the frond bases
Why Timing of Trimming Matters
The beetles are drawn to the smell of freshly cut palm tissue and are most active in warm weather. Trimming palms in the cooler months, and cutting only dry fronds, reduces the risk. Green fronds should be left on the tree.
Palm Tree Trimming in LimassolWhat to Do if You See the Signs
Act quickly. A palm treated at an early stage can often be saved; one whose crown has collapsed usually cannot. Send us photos of the crown and of any holes or damage, and we will tell you what we see and what your options are.
A dead or badly infested palm should be taken down and removed properly. Left standing, it is a danger because the crown can fall, and it is a source of beetles for every palm nearby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can an infested palm be saved?
Sometimes, if it is caught early. Once the crown has collapsed the palm usually cannot be saved.
Are Washingtonia palms at risk?
They are attacked much less often than Canary Island date palms, but they are not completely safe.
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