Palm trees from where fronds for use in fishing are cut should be treated with an appropriate insecticide against the Red Palm Weevil, which is attracted to freshly damaged fronds and uses the fresh cuts for depositing eggs, the Government said.

The Red Palm Weevil is a palm tree borer capable of killing palm trees within months. It is capable to fly long distances and infest other palm trees so it is important that any palm fronds to be used for such purposes originate from Red Palm Weevil-free trees to prevent the spreading of the pest.

The fronds, the Government said, have to be cut as short as possible to minimise infective areas which are generally concentrated at the base of the fronds.