Native to Southeast Asia, the red palm weevil is one of the world’s major invasive pest species. Highly polyphagus, it feeds on a broad range of palms – it is the single most destructive pest of some 40 palm species. Over the last four decades it has spread rapidly across the Middle East, into Europe, Central America and the Caribbean to become a global food chain crisis. It is now known to be present in more than 60 countries.

Red palm weevil attack young trees through the trunk and more established trees through the crown. Younger trees less than 20 years old are particularly susceptible.Early detection is extremely difficult when 80% of its life cycle is hidden from view. As their numbers in infected trees increase, so greater damage occurs. Infestations often invisible in their early stage prove deadly once larvae begin to tunnel through the tree as they feed. It is often too late to save a tree once the symptoms of infestation becomes visible, which is why a preventative approach is recommended as part of an integrated pest management strategy.

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