Q: The fronds of my palms are being eaten. They break at the trunk and just hang there. What's causing this?

M.F., Miami

A: Rats occasionally gnaw on the base of palm fronds but do not completely sever the frond from the palm. Look for further evidence of rats by searching for their droppings below the palms, on walkways, the patio, etc. Roof rat droppings are about ½ inch long and Norway rat droppings average ¾ inch.

If you suspect rats are damaging your plants (they feed on fruit too), they will need to be dealt with. For information on controlling rats, please call your local Extension office or download these publications:

• http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW120

• http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/DH044

Adrian Hunsberger is an entomologist/horticulturist with the UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension office. Write to Plant Clinic, 18710 SW 288th St., Homestead, FL 33030; e-mail aghu@ifas.ufl.edu

To send samples, please place insects in a hard container such as a medicine bottle in a padded envelope or box. Plant samples need to be sent wrapped in paper in a padded envelope or box. Don't send any type of sample in plastic bags. To expedite an answer, please include a phone number or e-mail address. Be sure your server isn't blocking return e-mails.

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