Historic, archived document Do not assume content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices. JNIZED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, BURZAU OF FNTOMOLOGY, WASHINGTON, D. C. January 15, 1924. Forest Entomology Brier 55, SON ee cee Leaf eating by caterpillars, similar insect larvae, and adult beetles is the most evident, frequently observed, and often complained of form of insect attack on shade and ornamental trees. A single de- foliation of trees which naturally lose their leaves in the autumn is not a very serious injury, particularly when it occurs in late summer, Trees so defoliated usually leaf out the next year and show iittle or no ill effect from the attack, ‘shen the leaf eating occurs carly in the year, completely strips the trees, and is continued year after year, the resuits will be more serious. The trees may be stunted or deformed or may die, either from exhaustion or as a result of other insect injuries. fear cet ins injury to shade and ornamental trees and shrubs may be prevented to a great extent by thoroughly spraying the trees, about the time the young caterpillars or other insects first appear, with a lead arsenate solution, prepared according to the directions in Forest Entomology Brief 40. some accessory methods are: also available for successful use under certain conditions or for some species of defoliators, such as Clipving off infested foliage with a long tree pruner and: burning; burning webs and caterpillar masses with an ignited kerosene-soaked rag ona pole (care being used not to scorch or burn the bark); crushing clustering caterpillars; banding trees with a sticky tree- banding material; burning or otherwise destroying egg messes and cocoons. Advice concerning the use of these methods can of course only be given when the insect attacking the tree is positively known as the result of an examination of{specimens submitted, or, in rare instances, when descriptions given are sufficiently accurate for recognition.