The agriculture ministry’s Plant Health Department is waging war against the red palm weevil (Bumunqar Ahmar tal-Palm in Maltese, scientific name Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) which is causing havoc in palm trees around the world.

The department said two species of palms were affected in the Mediterranean, Phoenix dactylifera and P.canariensis but it did not say how badly affected Malta is. Other ornamental palms could be affected as well.

This particular weevil is fairly large, about 2-5 cms long. It has strong wings so can travel considerable distances. It can be identified by its slightly bent beak, and rust colour with black spots. It is difficult to identify an infested tree.

The department said it was laying traps around gardens in Malta and Gozo. The traps were baited with substances which the female produces, so as to attract the males, which would be trapped.

The department said any injuries to a palm tree trunk, or holes, should be covered up as they were ideal for breeding. It said it was also controlling palm imports strictly.