Dying Pandanus trees are a common sight along Teewah Beach and in the village. The problem extends along the entire coastline of south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales. More than half of all trees have been lost. The main cause is an insect pest called Pandanus planthopper, Jamella australiae, which infests the leaf heads and causes the branches to die back from the tips.

If you peel back the dead leaves, you can see the adults and juveniles amongst white fluff and lots of other insects.

It is difficult to control dieback in the wild. A natural parasitic wasp called Aphanomerus nr. pusillus lays its eggs in the egg rafts and kills the planthopper. It moves naturally through the population but can also be moved manually. However this is a specialised job requiring training. Leaf stripping helps.

It is possible to control the leaf hopper by injecting a systemic insecticide directly into the trunk and branches. This is only useful for high-value trees in landscaping and backyard situations. Contact details for contractors are available through Teewah Landholders Association.