"Once the top of the tree is damaged severely, it will drop and it cannot recover," Hoddle said. Annual cost of on-going RPW treatment programs is USD 5.7 million. The best recourse is to cut down infested palms and destroy them before adults emerge from the tree. CBS Evening News:Red Palm Weevils make California gardeners See red Orange-fleshed sweet potato is a well-known food with high potential for alleviating vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in sub-Saharan Africa. Riverside, CA 92521, Department of Entomology Palm Arbor 3: 1-27. Systemic pesticides applied as crown drenches can cure heavily infested palms allowing meristematic tissue to recover and new frond production results. 8Biological Control of SAPW How to Control Red Palm Weevil Research Center Al-Hassa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Developing a pesticide treatment program should be made in consultation with a professional arborist, and two or more applications per year may be needed in infested areas to protect palms from weevil attack. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Females may also lay eggs into cracks or wounds on the trunk or the base of the fronds. Several natural enemies of SAPW are known, but one group of natural enemies, parasitic flies, in the genusBillaea(formerlyParatheresia) (Diptera: Tachinidae), appear to be exceptionally promising candidates for use in a classical biological control program targeting SAPW in California. Each treatment was replicated . Eggs are laid in these holes, they are relatively large, and female weevils can probably lay a hundred eggs or more over the course of a life time. Females lack these setae and the top of the rostrum is smooth. Nematodes can also be found inR. palmarum frass(i.e., excrement). In San Diego County, the weevil has shown a very strong preference for attacking Canary Island date palms; however, the palm species host list is growing, and we expect this pest to attack . Hoddle, M.S. (A)SAPW eggs on a US penny. Like other species ofRhynchophorus, such as the red palm weevil,R. ferrugineus, and the palm weevilR. vulneratus,R. palmarumis a destructive palm pest in its native and invaded ranges. When you use insecticide as a palm weevil treatment, you must repeat the application two or three times every year. Pheromone Trap Surveys forRhynchophorus palmarumin California. Weevil populations likely established in or around San Ysidro in 2014 or earlier. When palm weevils infest a tree, it shows signs of disease, such as brown, drooping fronds. For more information, please visit the CISR blog post:The Palm Weevil,Rhynchophorus vulneratus, Successfully Eradicated from California. . Symptoms:Early Red Palm Weevil infestations can be difficult to detect in large palms in the landscape unless access to the actively growing portions can be attained. A lot of these damage signs result from beetle larvae excavating tunnels throughout the palms tissue. (A)Cutting fronds to make a window to view the palm crown. Inland News Today:Pest Threatens Southern California's Iconic Palm Trees The adult emerges from the cocoon after about 20 days and sets to mating and laying more eggs. Adult SAPW attached to a flight mill in the lab, 2023 Regents of the University of California. From vegetation management and asset management to make-ready engineering services, we can help you reach your goals with expert service and a commitment to quality. The South American Palm Weevil is a non-native pest that has begun to infest and destroy Canary Island date palms in San Diego County. The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), a concealed tissue borer, is a lethal pest of palms and is reported to attack 17 palm species worldwide. 2017 Arborjet, Inc. But two more disturbing palm weevil species, which are invasive to the U.S., include the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) and the South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum). Current methods for treating weevil infestations involve spraying palm trees dozens of feet tall with insecticide from high-pressure hoses. The eggs dont damage the plants, nor do the weevil adults. Biological control is the use of natural enemies, like predators, parasites, and pathogens to kill a pest. CISR:Has the South American Palm Weevil,Rhynchophorus palmarum,Established in Southern California? Larvae may attain lengths greater than 50 mm (2 inches). Traps are not 100% efficient in capturing weevils. Want to request a FREE consultation or speak to your Davey local office about your residential tree or lawn needs? And this can happen fast: A large population of South American palm weevils can destroy the internal tissue of a 3- to 5-year old palm tree in just 5 to 6 weeks. However, it can also attack seemingly healthy palms. on commercial properties across North America. Detection of South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) in Arizona. Eggs may be laid in wounds, cracks, and crevices in the trunk, from the collar region near the roots, up to the base of frond petioles and axils near the crown of the palm. Feeding by weevil larvae in the crown of palm trees, causes significant damage that may result in the death of meristematic tissues. SAPW will also complete development on field planted sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum). 5 times. Please check with your state or local extension service to ensure registration status. Spongy Moth, formerly known as Gypsy Moth. For palms trees on private property, UH resident and tree advocate, Judy Schroeder, has negotiated a special price for UH residents with Aguilar Plant Care. THINK RED PALM WEEVIL OR SOUTH AMERICAN PALM WEEVIL COULD BE PROBLEMS IN YOUR YARD? This color morph can be easily confused with the red palm weevil,Rhynchophorus ferrugineus. When you want to remove weevils on sago palms, the first thing to do is to remove the dead parts of the tree. Weevil larvae hatch from eggs and consume meristematic tissue. The insect pest has spread to most continents, including Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and even North America. View our Privacy Policy for more information. radiation dose, although there was no apparent effect on the F2 generation. Backed by The Davey Institute, the industrys premier research and development laboratory, our team of experts share their knowledge on the most common topics and questions in arboriculture. . In Egypt, it has been estimated that RPW can have up to 21 generations per year. Larvae may pass through 3-7 instarsorstages thatmay last for about two months before the pupal stage is reached. For latest news on Red Palm Weevil, visit theCISR blog, Visit the CISR blog on the latest RPW News:CISR Blog The effectiveness of chemical treatment rapidly declines after a tree is infested with SAPW but it is difficult to detect SAPW when a palm is initially attacked. Additionally, laboratory studies suggest thatRhynchophorusspecies of palm weevils have better survivorship when their environments are damp and humid. Establishment of National Date Palm Research Center Al-Hassa, Kingom of Saudi Arabia Nematodes are deposited on palms in very close proximity to oviposition wounds females make when laying eggs. This was the first record of this pest in the USA. Palm weevil larvae (PWL) is an excellent source of amino acids, fatty acids, vitamin B12, and minerals such as zinc, iron, potassium, and phosphorus [12, 13]. The red palm weevil is a major pest of coconut palms as both adults and grubs cause damage to the inside and outside of the palm. Two different yearlong surveys by Brazilian scientists indicated that parasitism of SAPW larvae/pupae averaged 40% (range 18-50%) in one study and 51% (range 33-73%) in the second survey. You might also detect a fermented odor. The treatment must be repeated three to four times a year to remain effective. It also works as a preventive strategy. One species,B. rhynchophorae, appears to be particularly aggressive towards SAPW in Bahia State in Brazil. With operations throughout North America, our branches have expanded, but our commitment to scientifically-based horticultural and environmental services and outstanding client service has never wavered. Details on making bucket trapsand loading them with aggregation pheromone, ethyl acetate synergist, and fermenting bait are available. The South American Palm Weevil is a species of snout beetle that has killed hundreds of Canary Island Date Palms, in San Diego, since it was first detected in March, 2016. Chipping will kill larvae, pupae, and adults. Google Earth imagery (satellite photos taken 22 March 2016) near the eastern Willow Street Bonita Road entrance to the park clearly show dead Canary Islands date palms that may have been killed byR. palmarum. The ring applicator has an overall power of 12 kW and a vertical range of 40 cm. Nevertheless, in Crete the beetle seems to prefer the Canary Island date palm Phoenix Canariensis which is most infested. Sign up for our newsletter. Canary Islands date palms showing various levels of feeding damage caused by SAPW. Middle East: Bahrain, Georgia Palestine, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Adults can be up to 1 " in length. This should be arranged with a professional tree removal service company. (2015) Detection of South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) in Arizona. Then, newly emerging leaves might quickly die. Detection ofR. palmarumin California was officially confirmed on9 May 2011 by USDA and seven additional detections were made over July August 2011. ), mango (Mangifera indica), banana (Musaspp. The prepupal larva molts inside the cocoon and develops wing buds. Applying systematic insecticides to the soil helps to eliminate the weevils in the egg stage. weevil form, with well-developed, curved snouts and clubbed antennae. The South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) is one of the most invasive pests in California. Tree Pruning. Geology Building, Room 2258 Date palms, sabal palms, and Washingtonian palms are also susceptible to a much lesser extent to attack by the palmetto weevil. Feeding larvae cause significant damage to the apical meristem and when severe, palm death can result. Large numbers of wilding Canary Islands date palms grow in unmanaged riparian areas and will provide abundant food for weevils. Talk to our team of industry leaders to learn how we've provided solutions to other utilities with similar challenges and goals. Palm weevil treatment involves a combination of control methods including removal of infected wood, applying insecticides, and trapping the adults. It is also recommended to apply PHOSPHO-jet to help control any secondary disease pathogens and PALM-jet Mg to provide needed nutrients for overall plant health and vigor. Chipping, burning, and burying infested material deeply can reduce the likelihood that Red Palm Weevil will emerge and escape from infested palms. Phoemyc is considered the best insecticide for red palm weevil. Heavily infested palms will drop fronds the bases of which may be heavily tunneled indicating larval feeding and pupation activity. UCR Blog:Laguna Beach Palm Removal, Text and leaf damage photo provided by:Mark S. Hoddle, thrips photos byMike Lewis, Mark Hoddle, Extension Specialist andDirector of Center for Invasive Species Research Red Palm Weevil represents a potential threat to Californias $30 million dollar date crop should it become established in date-growing areas of California. If traps are placed too close to palms adults that are attracted to traps but are not caught may start infestations in the palm that is being monitored. Palm weevils are invasive beetle species that pose a fairly serious threat to palm trees. Adults can be up to 1 in length. Detection of South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) in Texas. (C) Bucket trap partially buried in the ground. Saddleback Caterpillar Feeding on the underside of the palm leaves, Saddleback Caterpillar chews large holes in the foliage. To track the spread of SAPW we need the help of community scientists, interested and concerned members of the public, who are willing to take time to report SAPW infestations via the web. For example, the Sweetwater Regional Park in Bonita San Diego County, has hundreds of naturalized Canary Islands date palms growing in wash areas near the Western Staging Area (intersection of Bonita Road and Lynwood Drive). Coconut Pest Alert! By Andrew Porterfield The red palm weevil ( Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is a common pest of palm trees in subtropical regions of the globe (and, for a brief time, in the United States ). Nematodes feed internally and infestations often result in palm death. (2012) Detection of South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) in Texas. The South American palm weevil and red ring nematode (should it establish in California) have the potential to cause significant damage to native and non-native palms in California. The enemy-release hypothesis is one explanation for explosive pest population growth and spread when an invasive organism establishes in a new area. A female deposits about 300 eggs to the base of the palm tree. Looking for a rewarding career with opportunities for growth? Another problem South American palm weevil can cause is red ring disease since this pest vectors a nematode that transmits the disease. The South American Palm Weevil is also the vector for the pathogen Bursaphelenchus cocophilus, commonly known as red ring nematode (RRN) which is the cause of red ring disease in palms . Dissections of the 111 the adultR. palmarumcaptured in San Diego and Imperial counties failed to detect the presence of red ring nematode. SAPW cannot reproduce on these fruit. Department of Entomology, This fermenting mush is noticeably warm and very wet, and being inside the palm trunk these conditions may mitigate adverse environmental conditions such as low humidity and temperature. Commercial date production is impacted in areas where RPW is established, resulting in tree death or reduced vigor in infested date palms. To report palms that may be infested with SAPW pleasevisit this siteand fill in the online document and submit it. Weevils were later captured in monitoring traps inSan Ysidro in southern San Diego County in 2011(~ 5 miles north of Tijuana). Efficacy of pesticide treatments on weevil activity in the crown can be checked via a window. A window is created by removing palm fronds in the crown which then permits access to the crown so visual inspections for weevil activity can be conducted. Although this bug is not small in size, an adult can measure about 1 1/2 inches . Adult weevils are sexually dimorphic. ABC7 News:SoCal's Palm Trees Threatened by South American Weevil Nematodes dont develop inside weevils. The cocoons are located within the damaged tissue of the palm. The common name, red ring nematode, comes from reddish lesions that form in infested stems and trunks. Removal of infested, dying, or dead palms is expensive, potentially dangerous and should be undertaken by professional arborists. The South American palm weevil is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. In Tijuana, many single dead palms were found along roadsides and occasionally multiple dead palms would be observed in parks or around schools. SAPW larvae dont drill deeply into the palm trunk and infestations are typically limited to the top 25% (or less) of the palm. Another effective method, often used along with insecticide, is trapping the adult weevils. Picusan traps are designed to be placed on the ground but they can be suspended. Leaves typically dry out from the crown down. The moths are tan with a wing expanse of about 2 inches. They are considered the most destructive pest of palms in plantations worldwideincluding for coconut palms, date palms and oil palms. High levels of feeding damage to the apical meristem can result in palm death as frond and trunk growth originates from this region. When the larva stops eating the living wood of the tree, it builds a cocoon out of palm fibers. 5Dispersal, 6Trapping and Monitoring Therefore, care must be taken in reporting additional palm species as hosts of the red palm weevil as other factors such as diseases and or mechan-ical damage can lead to symptoms that resemble red palm weevil damage. Damage to palm trees results primarily from larval feeding that is concentrated in the apical meristem or the palm heart. Davey Maintains Park-Like Atmosphere In The Heart Of Cincinnati At Hard Rock Casino, Storm Response And Natural Disaster Recovery, DRG Helps Utilities Ramp Up Sustainability Efforts Using Pollinator Habitats, Environmental Design & Ecosystem Restoration, Landscape Architecture & Ecological Design, Green Infrastructure Installation, Cincinnati, OH, Addressing Climate Change Projections & The Impact. 2017. This big beetle, 35 to 40mm long, also known as the Asian palm weevil is the most deadly pest for almost all palm tree species. University of California, Riverside Then cut out the plant parts infested by larva with a sharp cutting tool. The entire life cycle, egg to adult, can take 45 to 139 days. Eggs: After 48 hr of treatment the egg shell was completely Rahalker et al. Female weevils use their rostrum or snout (this is the long nose on the head of the weevil) to drill holes into palm material. Sometimes a pest control specialist will even inject an insecticide inside the palm, in order to rid the interior of the palm of this bothersome pest. and C.D. The larvae (grub worms) then feed into the trunk causing severe vascular damage over time that eventually results in death of the infested palm. Non Native Invasive Species California - where? In addition to dead palms, some living palms displayed spectacular levels of feeding damage to fronds. However, in combination they can be powerful in attracting weevils to traps. Palm weevil is an invasive species of beetle that poses a serious threat to palms trees; it is considered to be the world's most threatening pest to palms. 10Red Ring Nematode Flies attacked immature SAPW year round with seasonal highs (Sept. Nov) and lows (Jun Jul) being observed. (A)Soil injecting a systemic pesticide. (B)Infested palm shown in (A) being dropped. After the mating process the female deposits her eggs at the base of the palm. Systemic pesticides (mainly neonicotinoids) are translocated within the palm and accumulate in the meristematic tissue where weevil larvae feed. Trunk injection of IMA-jet (Imidacloprid) will give both preventative and curative control providing there has not been extensive feeding damage to the palm. Rhynchophorus palmarum (South American palm weevil); larvae have no legs, initially 3-4 mm long, may reach 5-6 cm. In this way, adult boll weevils are captured. To do this properly: Use a synthetic blanket, burlap or landscape fabric. It prefers wounded or stressed sabal palms, Bismarck palms or Canary Island date palm. CBS 8 NewsInvasive Weevil: Tiny insect poses huge threat to San Diego palm trees Heavy larval infestations in this region can result in crown collapse and palm mortality. If the tree can be saved, the second step in sago palm weevil control is to spray the palm with insecticide. The South American palm weevil a new threat to palms in California and the Southwest. drhodel@ucdavis.edu, Mark Hoddle, Extension Specialist andDirector of Center for Invasive Species Research From here they can spread into urban and agricultural areas. (F)Close up of the new fronds shown in(E). The Dutch Aim to Make Insects More Palatable, Red Palm Weevils make California Gardeners see Red, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Agrio, our mobile application, is a pocket agronomist that allows agriculture professionals, farmers, and gardeners to increase crop yeilds and solve plant protection problems. Occurrence and Damage of Red Palm Weevil in China Ren Li 2Host Plants Adult SAPW are strong fliers and have the potential to disperse naturally over long distances. Bucket traps can be suspended above the ground or partially buried. 2012. (A) Bucket trap loaded with pheromone, ethyl acetate, a container of fermenting bait, and antifreeze to kill and preserve adult weevils that enter the trap. Palm weevil description and treatment suggestions. 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. (B) Bucket trap suspended from a tree branch. The pupa will molt one more time within the cocoon to reach the adult form which has wings and can fly. You can also wrap the trunk and foliage of palms for winter palm tree protection. (D)SAPW adult exhibiting uncharacteristic orange and black markings. Entomology and Nematology Department - University of Florida, Institute . Survey efforts are underway around Laguna Beach to determine if an infestation of Red Palm Weevil exists, how widespread it is, and if it will be possible to contain and perhaps eradicate this highly destructive palm pest. Individually, some specimens can be treated with surgery, eliminating the affected areas and respecting the flower so that the palm tree can sprout again. The weevils have a long, slender rostrum or snout which the female uses to penetrate palm tissue and create access wounds in which eggs are deposited. mark.hoddle@ucr.edu Ohara. Distressed palm trees are most vulnerable to this damaging insect which makes transplanted and environmentally stressed palms more susceptible to attack. Males can be separated from females by the presence of a beard or comb of hairs (i.e., setae) on the dorsal (i.e., top) side of the rostrum. (B) The top side of the female rostrum lacks setae which makes distinguishing between sexes easy to do. 2023 The Davey Tree Expert Company. 5. In fact, some species are considered the most damaging insect pests of palms in the world. The economic impacts from damage is mainly from the cost of control and eradication of the weevil, removing infested palms and replanting. RRN is known from Mexico. SAPW is an invasive pest in California. Developing a pesticide treatment program should be made in consultation with a professional arborist, and two or more applications per year may be needed in infested areas to protect palms from weevil attack. These fermentation odors (especially when coupled with aggregation pheromone) from feeding and other types of damage (e.g., pruning wounds or pathogen infections) attract weevils to palms which intensifies attacks. It consists of intravascular injections of chemical products into the trunk of the palm trees. AgAlert:Scientists work to define threat from palm pest Photo Credit: If you notice them early, treat the palm with insecticidal soup. Personal Website, 900 University Ave. Unfortunately, no methods of biological control currently exist to control this pest. Surveillance and Early Detection of Red Palm Weevil Dr. a.m. Oehlschlager Weevils can potentially be moved accidentally by humans over long distances inside infested palms. College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Effective January 18, 2015, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has declarederadication of Red Palm Weevil from Laguna Beach California. From trimming and pruning, to tree removal, to disease and pest control - you will always get outstanding service and exceptional treatment. It has been recorded attacking and reproducing on the following palm species: coconut (Cocos nucifera), African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), aa palm (Euterpe oleracea), coco de palmito(Euterpe edulis), sago palm(Metroxylon sagu), Canary Islands date palm (Phoenix canariensis), and edible date palm (Phoenix dactylifera). The larval stage lasts 1 to 3 weeks. Some other insects that can benefit from insecticide are carpenter bees, sucking bees (like alkali bees), and bumblebees. Once the damage is noticed, the palm is most likely beyond salvage. Red Ring Nematode, Bursaphelenchus cocophilus. Its first appearance in San Diego has been recorded as early as 2010 when it is believed to have crossed borders from Mexico. The life cycle of the palm weevil begins when the adult female weevils lay eggs on or near the sago palm trees. Adult SAPW use their mandibles (i.e., teeth) at the end of the rostrum to chew their way out of the cocoon, they are typically black, and live for 1-2 months. Sahin Ince:Red Palm Weevil Egg Laying Behavior One potential reason, amongst several, as to why non-native organisms become pests following introduction into a new area is the lack of population regulation provided by upper-trophic level organisms (i.e., natural enemies). The red palm weevil is reddish-brown, but since it can range from mostly red to entirely black, color alone hasnt been a great way of identifying the pest. Perhaps global warming explains why it has found its way into North Carolina. The company will provide preventive treatment for $100 to $150 per tree (depending on size) plus a trip fee of $225. Subscribe to the "The Sapling," the Davey Blog's email newsletter, for the latest tips to keep your outdoor space in tip-top shape throughout the year. Europe: Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey. The insecticide enters the sap flow and definitively eradicates the . Invasive palm weevils are pests that can wreak havoc on your palms. Larvae feed within thesoft tissues of the meristem or leaf bases creating frass filled mines, enlarging and penetrating deep within the upper trunk areas as the larvae mature. Control Options:Suppression of Red Palm Weevil infestations can be attempted in several ways. The California fan palm,Washingtonia filifera, which is native to southern California and western Arizona, and the European fan palm,Chamaerops humilis, appear to be resistant to Red Palm Weevil infestations. Trap efficacy is maximized if traps are placed in areas with partial or full shade. This method of eradicating red palm weevil is carried out in four steps: Let us explain them to you: A hole is bored in the trunk. In 3 rd group 30 trees were divided into 3 groups each containing 10 tr ees , . 89.3 KPCC:Crews Deal with Discovery of Destructive Weevil in Orange County Detection of South American palm weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) in California. NPR:Time for a 'Bug Mac'? Adult weevils are attracted to traps loaded with commercially-available aggregation pheromone and baited with fermenting fruit. New leaves (fronds) wont grow properly; instead the new growth will die back, followed by decaying leaves that droop and appear yellow and brown. The distribution of traps was as follows: (1) Alameda County 20 traps; (2) Imperial County 150 traps; (3) Los Angeles County 73 traps; (4) Orange County 200 traps; (5) Riverside County 210 traps; (6) San Bernardino County 25 traps; (7) San Diego County 200 traps; (8) Santa Barbara County 20 traps; (9) Santa Clara County 30 traps; (10) Santa Cruz County 10 traps; (11) Sonoma County 10 traps; (12) Ventura County 50 traps. If the palm is infested, Phoemyc can be applied to the plant using a ring applicator. SAPW is a notorious palm pest in its native and invaded ranges. (4) Appearance of chewed plant material (frass) at the externalentrances of feeding tunnels and a highly distinctive "fermented" odor. First, you might see yellowing leaves. The South American palm weevil a new threat to palms in California and the Southwest. If weevils are captured at this distance from the palms of concern it likely indicates that weevil activity is close and steps should be promptly considered and implemented for protecting those palms. This is a lethal pest of palms which can attack about 17 varieties of palm trees. 11Report an Infested Palm. 7Chemical Control When you want to remove weevils on sago palms, the first thing to do is to remove the dead parts of the tree. With jobs available throughout North America, Davey has an opportunity for you in the location you desire. These visual surveys have confirmed the presence ofR. ferrugineusat the original collection site. Adult weevils may acquire nematodes when feeding on infected palm material or nematodes may attach to the body surface of weevils. (1973) reported that treatment of 1-2-day-old males of the weevil at a dose of 1.5 krad (15 Gy) resulted in 90% . Los Angeles Times:L.A.'s palm trees are dying and it's changing the city's famous skyline (5) Empty pupal cases and the bodies of dead adult RPW in and around heavily infested palms, and (6) breakingof the trunk, ortopplingof the palm crown. Weevil larvae become parasitized with nematodes and uninfected adults can acquire nematodes when they come into contact with nematode infested palms. RPW adults are attracted by the pheromones and the plant material and fly into buckets. The unique specialty service combines several techniques to repel the weevil. Feeding damage leading to the death of infested palms is widely reported in areas invaded by this pest. New York Times:"Waiter, there's soup in my bug" The larva hatches out of the eggs in a few days and bore into the living tissues of the tree. The weevil larvae spend their entire four-month life cycle within the palm tree's trunk, hollowing it out from the inside until the tree dies. Original image by Alejandro Santillana & Connor French. (Mark Hoddle/UCR) The weapon involves a pheromone specific to the South American palm weevil, a type of beetle capable of flying more than 15 miles in one day. The entire life cycle, egg to adult, can take about 3-4 months to complete. Pheromone traps make it possible to detect very low density pest populations that would otherwise be almost impossible to find. As the infestation progresses, damaged palm material inside the palm will start fermenting and it acquires a characteristic odor. It is important that arborists and individuals working in palm canopies be vigilant for signs of larval mines and frass (excrement) in leaf bases in the central growing point of the palm in order to detect signs of early infestation. Coloration in the adult weevils is predominately reddish-brown in the most typical form. Prepupal larvae spin surprisingly tough cocoons from palm fibers and cocoon construction often occurs in tunnels at the base of fronds.