Pest & Disease Updates

Red Palm Mite

The red palm mite (RPM) has been reported to feed on palms, bananas, heliconias, gingers, and a few other host plants. The eggs, immatures, and adults (~0.32mm) are a distinctive, bright red color. RPM will not have the webbing associated with spider mites. Newly established populations often first have major outbreaks on coconut palms. Colonies of RPM form on the underside of leaves, usually the midrib. Feeding eventually causes yellowing of the leaf, and may be accidentally confused with disease symptoms.

If you suspect you have RPM, you should not move palms, or palm cuttings. You should examine and sterilize pruning shears, hands, gloves, or other equipment prior to handling palms that do not appear infested. If you would like to submit a sample for identification, a piece of the plant material can be placed in a container with rubbing alcohol or 70% ethanol solution. RPM is a pest of regulatory concern for the nursery trade, and a Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Divison of Plant Industry helpline number is available at: (888) 397-1517.

Homeowners can contact their UF/IFAS County Extension Office. Not sure if you have RPM compared to other mites? Florida's Distance Diagnostic and Identification System can help you determine if a physical sample is needed.

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