Palm tree pests under control in Abu Dhabi

Authorities in Abu Dhabi say they're making significant progress in controlling palm trees pests.

Nearly half a million red palm weevils were trapped in the capital during the first half of this year.

The insects are destructive to date palms, infecting them from inside and wiping out entire crops.

Authorities say a new pest management strategy involving pheromone and light traps has been working wonders.

They're also improving their rate of detecting and treating date palms that have already been infected.