What's eating my areca palm?

Areca palm is notoriously susceptible to spider mites, which thrive in the warm, dry air of homes and offices. The fronds develop a characteristic pale, dusty look. Spider mites are the defining pest of this species indoors. Scale and mealybugs are secondary threats. High humidity dramatically reduces spider mite risk.

Yellow-grey stippling across frond leaflets; fine webbing in heavy infestations; fronds turn pale and papery; the plant's lush look is destroyed Increase humidity — a pebble tray or humidifier is the preventive measure; shower plant regularly; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on all frond surfaces; introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis; repeat every 5 days

Brown bumps along frond midribs and on stems; yellowing fronds; sticky residue below Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil; systemic insecticide for heavy infestations on large plants

White waxy clusters at the base of fronds and in stem joints; fronds yellow and new growth is weak Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray diluted neem oil into the crown and along fronds; repeat weekly