Palm leaf skeletonizer

[miamicuse]

I have what I believe is called palm leaf skeletonizer on my Livistona chinensis.

Out of 18 Livistona chinensis I have this on about 6 of them.  Some are on leaves as low as 4' and some are as high as 35'.

This is what I see on the top side of the leaves.

This is on the under side of the leaves.

I read that there is no remedy other than rinsing it off with a garden hose, which obviously I cannot do with a palm 35' tall.

Any suggestions on how to get this under control, if at all possible?

[96720]

Is that something that can just be washed off?

[SeanK]

I'll defy the conventional wisdom.

At least the small palms, wash them off. Then douse with an insecticide once a week for the next couple of months. Try to poison their food.

It may be too late in the season though, as late summer may be optimal.

[kinzyjr]

14 hours ago, miamicuse said:

I have what I believe is called palm leaf skeletonizer on my Livistona chinensis.

Out of 18 Livistona chinensis I have this on about 6 of them.  Some are on leaves as low as 4' and some are as high as 35'.

This is what I see on the top side of the leaves.

This is on the under side of the leaves.

I read that there is no remedy other than rinsing it off with a garden hose, which obviously I cannot do with a palm 35' tall.

Any suggestions on how to get this under control, if at all possible?

Definitely looks like Leaf Skeletonizer.  One way to keep them under control is to take the leaves where they are present and burn them.

[miamicuse]

15 hours ago, 96720 said:

Is that something that can just be washed off?

I tried hosing them down but it takes A LOT OF water blasting the back side of the leaf the dislodge them, and for many leaves due to the angle it is hard to direct at their underside.  It's easier to cut the infected leaves.  Then there are a few too high up that is beyond reach of a hose.

[miamicuse]

8 hours ago, kinzyjr said:

Definitely looks like Leaf Skeletonizer.  One way to keep them under control is to take the leaves where they are present and burn them.

hmmm...I Love The Smell Of Napalm In The Morning😃

[Lou-StAugFL]

I have a cluster of three Livistona chinensis and they all have it.  I have given up.  I just trim them as soon as I see it and dispose of them.  They also attack my Washingtonia but not as bad.    They really love Livistona chinensis here in St. Augustine.  Seems like the fronds in full sun get them less, but there is nothing I can do about that.