Saving the palms

The Council of Health and Environment inform us that some of the palm trees in the town have been infected by the picudo rojo.

The insects fly into the palms attracted by the scent of pruning. Once there, they lay their eggs in the leaves. The larvae, which are about 4 –6cm long, eat the young leaves which eventually causes the tree to die.

Any trees which are affected must be cut down, crushed and burnt.

Since it is the scent produced when the trees are pruned it is recommended not to prune trees unless necessary. Any pruning that is necessary should be done in December, January or February and should be followed by spraying with insecticide (1 ml Imidacloprid 20 %
in 1 litre of water).