Al Ain Municipality sprayed 4,000 palm trees with pesticides on Monday in an attempt to combat pest infestations, according to the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport.
The operations were carried out by the Department of Pest Control after 215 Emirati homes reported that their palm trees were infested with pests during the last three months.
The four main pests contained by the department were the Red Palm Weevil, Lesser Date Moth, Dust Spider and Date Palm borer.
The Lesser Date Moth was found in 74 per cent of palm trees.
“When a palm tree is infected by the Less Date Moth, the department inspects the tree, identifies the correct infection and pesticide on the same day- whereas the rest of the pests require a maximum of three working days to combat,” said Fatima Al Marbouei, inspector of pest control.
“The Municipality aims to provide these services to satisfy our residents and to prevent economic damages as its extensive spread could have catastrophic damages on palm trees” she said.
“Palm trees are considered to have an economic and cultural value in the UAE.”
