Protecting Canary Island Date Palms in Escondido, Poway, and Beyond
The South American Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus palmarum) is rapidly becoming one of the most destructive threats to palm trees in Southern California—especially Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis). We’re seeing increased cases throughout Escondido, San Marcos, Poway, and inland North County San Diego.
Why It’s So Dangerous
These beetles lay their eggs in the crown of the tree. When the larvae hatch, they feed deep inside the palm’s heart—the area responsible for producing new fronds. Once enough damage is done, the tree stops growing and begins to die from the top down.
In advanced cases, the crown can tilt or collapse and fall to the ground, often taking heavy, spiny fronds with it. This poses a serious safety hazard to people, vehicles, and nearby structures.
Early Signs of Infestation
Weevils are hard to detect early, but look for:
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Cut-off tips on the uppermost fronds
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Chewed or missing leaflets in the center of the tree
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A flat or thinning canopy
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Visible grooves or tunneling in the trunk or crown
If these signs are visible, action should be taken immediately. Once fronds begin to wilt or die, it may already be too late to save the tree.
What They Look Like
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Larvae – Reddish-brown heads with fat, soft bodies
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Pupae – Fibrous cocoons formed in the heart of the palm
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Adults – Glossy black beetles about 1.5 inches long with a long curved snout (dull with age)
For more detailed weevil imagery, check out UC Riverside’s palm weevil research page.
What You Can Do
Once the crown is affected, removal may be the only option. The best defense is prevention. At Tree Barber, we use licensed insecticide treatments that:
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Target larvae and adults directly in the crown
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Are safe for ornamental and residential palms
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Must be applied multiple times per year for full protection
Get Help From a Local Expert
Tree Barber’s certified arborists serve Escondido, Poway, San Marcos, and surrounding areas, offering inspection and treatment plans for palm weevil infestations.
Concerned about your palms? We’re here to help protect your trees—before it’s too late.