Red Palm Beetle Coming to a Place Near You

spangles


Joined: 22/10/2008
Posts: 411

Message Posted:
11/11/2009 13:57

Yesterday I found my date palm to be infected with the red palm beetle. Having read about it in Cyprus Today I went immediately to Alsancak Council and reported it. They were quick to dispatch two workers who appeared within 30 mins. Since then things have gone downhill and I have no doubt in saying that the Date Palms' days in Cyprus are numbered.

The workers (who today revealed that they are really electricians and know nothing whatsoever about the beetle) chopped down the tree and told us to burn it overnight. We have tried to explain the severity of the beetle and insisted that they speak to the Ministry of Agriculture. They did and we were told that they weren't bothered either as our tree was already dead. Yes it is and despite having been set on fire goodness knows how many times, beetles and larvae are still popping out.

Apart from the man and bazooka does anyone have another contact please?

beno12



Joined: 03/04/2009
Posts: 124

Message Posted:
11/11/2009 21:55

Jeanette,

Try this feed,

http://www.pestalert.org/newsAlertDocs/red%20palm%20weevil.pdf



I think its the same beetle...

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
11/11/2009 22:05

Msg 1



I'm here and awaiting your call!



Richard

spangles


Joined: 22/10/2008
Posts: 411

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 11:23

beno12 - Thanks. Yes I had already seen the info and confirmed that this was the beetle. Unfortunately the council say that they do not have the equipment to dig a trench. Their chainsaw will not chop the tree into pieces which could then be burned, as it is still fresh. Meanwhile the beetles and larvae are still appearing. You can actually hear them munching inside the tree.



Richard - forget the bazooka. Do you have a flamethrower?