A red palm weevil control system for retaining and exterminating red palm weevils in palm trees is disclosed. The control system may include one or more light detection systems, one or more light emitting devices positioned such that light emitted from the light emitting device can be detected by the light detection system, and one or more red palm weevil food materials that is configured to block light emitted from the light emitting device from being sensed by the light detection system. In use, once a red palm weevil has eaten the food, the light detection system senses the light emitted from the light emitting device, signifying the presence of red palm weevils. The red palm weevil food material may also include a magnetic material and an antimicrobial material.