Owners of palm trees are on the alert after the red palm weevil, an insect that is killing and causing damage to palm trees around the whole world, has hit Malta for the very first time.
The weevil is two to five centimetres in length, with a long beak bent to one side. It is red in colour, similar to that of rust, with black spots.
Entomologist David Dandria explained to MaltaToday that in the past few years the weevil spread to Spain, then to Italy. “This year it has spread to Malta as well for the first time,” he said.
The main cause of the insect’s spread has been the recent transportation of palm trees across the globe.
He said the weevil lives in palm trees and can kill them if it penetrates inside. Asked how the weevil can be prevented, Dandria said that this was difficult because although the weevil lays its eggs in the leaves of the palm tree, once it grows the insect penetrates inside the tree and cannot be killed with an insecticide.
The only way the weevil can be controlled is by setting up traps with the chemical that the weevil emanates in order to lure it away from the palm trees, the entomologist explained.
On Wednesday the department of Plant Health issued a public warning about the arrival of the weevil. It said any suspected infestations should be immediately reported to the Plant Surveillance and Inspection Division on 2339 7205/2339 7223.
The department said it was taking all necessary measures to control the spread of the weevil by setting up pheromone traps in various gardens around Malta and Gozo.
It explained it was difficult to diagnose an infested tree during its early stages but in an advanced state of infection one can note a brown condensed liquid and flakes and pieces of fibre protruding from small holes on the bark.
A particular smell can also be noted emanating from the tree while the leaves will start to turn yellow and wrinkle. Some central leaves could also be plucked easily.
All holes and gashes should be covered as these are places that attract the insect to lay its eggs, the department said.

czahra@mediatoday.com.mt