Incurable Phytoplasma bacterial infections such as Lethal Bronzing & Lethal Yellowing are highly contagious to a variety of palm species and ultimately prove to be lethal. Although once infected, it is recommended that palms be removed immediately to prevent further spread, in many cases, Lethal Bronzing or Yellowing can be avoided with a proper preventative maintenance program.

A highly destructive, contagious insect that feed on the heart of a palm.  Date Palms and Bismarck Palms are highly susceptible. Infested trees normally die. Without a Health Program, treatment is difficult since Weevil Symptoms are only usually noticed once extensive damage is done. Palms much be on a regular indefinite treatment plan to prevent infestation. 

A small pest native to Florida that feeds exclusively on the royal palm. Rarely, will the bugs kill the host palm. They often leave gray, tattered and unsightly fronds. Infestations spread to surrounding palms. Treatments are necessary to rid the infestation. 

Phytophtora Palmivora & Thielaviopsis Paradoxa funguses are the most common causes of Bud Rot in Florida palms. Symptoms include discoloration & wilting spear leaves which will become desiccated, turn brown & collapse. Fungicides are required to treat the disease & normally need to be caught early to save the palm. 

This disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium Oxysporum and affects a variety of palm species. Fungus blocks the vascular system affecting water transport. Most common method of infection is believed to be improper cleaning of tools during pruning. There is no proven cure or recommended treatmentment for infected palms. Removal is recommended. 

Gliocladium blight otherwise known as Pink Rot, is normally a secondary disease in palms. This disease is widely distributed but is common on Queen Palm and Fan Palms & Date Palms. The disease causes bud, stem, and trunk rot on infected palms. Pink rot is easily confirmed by the presence of pinkish orange masses of spores produced by the fungus on stems and buds. Severe pruning can initiate infection and should be avoided.

This fungal disease affects many palms including Sabal Palms, Queen Palms Coconut Palms, Fan & Date Palms. Symptoms include severe frond wilting, reduced growth & foliage necrosis. Extensive trunk decay is usually present by the time canopy symptoms appear. There is currently no proven treatment for affected palms. Removal of palm & stump is recommended. 

Blight is caused by numerous fungal pathogens, but the symptoms these pathogens cause are similar for all of them. The disease often results in reddish-brown discolored lesions or streaks along the petiole and/or rachis of the oldest eaves.​ The pathogens infect only the petiole or rachis, not the leaf tissue.​ Since very little is known about this disease, only general disease management strategies regarding sanitation, water management, and fungicide use can be provided.

Leaf spots and leaf blights are caused by numerous fungal pathogens with relatively similar symptoms. All palms should be considered hosts in the seedling and juvenile stages. Leaf spots initially start as small, water-soaked lesions that then turn various shades of yellow, gray, reddish-brown, brown, or black. Management strategy. Includes sanitation, water management, injury prevention, palm nutrition & appropriate fungicide use.

A native moth that attacks 73 palm species, abundantly in Florida. Insecticides are often not effective in reducing the moths once heavily infested since the caterpillars are protected by their silk webbing. The best control for this pest is to detect its presence early. Washing the larva and its tubes off with a wet sponge or high-pressure hose may prevent further damage.

Native to Thailand, this scale only affects Cycads, causing damage by sucking plant fluids resulting in small yellow spots on the upper surface of fronds. As infestation progresses, fronds become brown and desiccated & forms a waxy white ‘crust’ on the frond surface. Uncontrolled infestations can result in plant death within weeks. 

Hempel & Boisduval are the only aphids known to infest palms. Hosts include Date Palms, Fan Palms, Alexander Palms, Coconut Palms & Washingtonian Palms. Aphids release honeydew further causing sooty mold growth. Palms heavily infested with aphids can experience stunted growth. 

Three species of Eriophyid Mites have been found on Florida coconut palms. This mite can be found only in folds of newly emerging coconut fronds. Although mites do not cause damage to leaf tissue, Young and developing coconuts may be reduced in size, malformed & display superficial bands of necrotic tissue.

Ambrosia beetles are known to infest ornamentals, palms & fruit trees. Adult beetles bore tunnels in trunk tissue in which sawdust tubes are extruded. Pinholes & staining are signs of infestation. They are considered secondary pests, attacking stressed & unhealthy plants. Insecticides may be used as a preventative treatment. However, systemic insecticides are not as effective since beetles do not actually feed on plant material. Once an infestation is heavy it's likely too late.