HOUSEHOLD INSECTS AND THEIR CONTROL BT ARTHUR GIBSON tCRTWINN 630.4 C212 B 112 n. s. 1931 c. 2 DOMINION OF CANADA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE BULLETIN NO. 112— NEW SERIES I REVISED) Published by direction of the Hon. Robert Weir, Minister ol Agriculture, Ottawa. July, 19J1 ENTOMOLOGICAL BRANCH Dominion Entomologist and Head of Branch Arthur Gibson Associate Dominion Entomologist J. M. Swaine Division of Forest Insects J. M. Swaine Chief, Division of Foreign Pests Suppression L. S. McLaine ( Jhief, Division of Systematic Entomology J. H. McDunnough Chief, Division of Field Crop and Garden Insects. . H. G. Crawford LABORATORIES Annapolis Royal, N.S Insecticide Investigations: Arthur Kelsall, in charge. Fredericton, N.B Forest Insect Investigations: R. E. Balch, in charge. Field Crop Insect Investigations: It. P. Gorham, in charge. Insecticide Investigations: G. P. Walker, in charge. Hemmingford, Que Fruit Insect Investigations: C. E. Petch, in charge. Ottawa, Ont Forest Insect Investigations: J. J. de Gryse, in charge. Vegetable Insect Investigations: A. G. Dustan, in charge. Insect Pest Survey: C. R. Twinn, in charge. Belleville, Ont Parasite Investigations: A. B. Baird, in charge. Vineland, Ont Fruit Insect Investigations: W. A. Ross, in charge. Strathroy, Out Field Crop Insect Investigations: H. F. Hudson, in charge. Chatham, Ont Field Crop Insect Investigations: G. M. Stirrett, in charge. Treesbank, Man Field Crop Insect Investigations: Norman Criddle, in charge. Indian Head, Sask Forest and Shade Tree Insect Investigations: K. E. Stewart, in charge. Saskatoon, Sask Field Crop Insect Investigations: K. M. King, in charge. Lethbridge, Alta Field Crop Insect Investigations: H. L. Seamans, in charge. Agassiz, B.C Field Crop and Fruit Insect Investigations: R. Glendenning, in charge. Kamkops, B.C Live Stock Insect Investigations: Eric Hearle, in charge. Vernon, B.C Forest Insect Investigations: Ralph Hopping, in charge. Fruit and Field Crop Insect Investigations: E. R. Buckell, in charge. Victoria, B.C Fruit Insect Investigations: W. Downes, in charge. PLANT INSPECTION STATIONS Halifax, N.S A. K. Gibson, in charge. Saint John, N.B A. Finnamore, in charge. Montreal, Que W, St. G. Ryan, in charge. Toronto, Ont W. A. Fowler, in charge. Niagara Falls, Ont H. W. Sheppard, in charge. Windsor, Ont C. S. Thompson, in charge. Winnipeg, Man C. A. S. Smith, in charge. Estevan, Sask PC. Brown, in charge. Vancouver, B.C W. H. Lyne, Collaborator, in cl (ENTOMOLOGICAL BULLETIN No. 30) (Revised) ^ 1™ J ADA ^t 4k CONTENTS Introduction General Recommendations Fumigants and Insecticides based Control by Temperature Insects Affecting Our Persons, Health and Foodstuffs 1. Two-winged Flies 2. Body Parasites and Wasps 3. Insects Affecting Foodstuffs Insects Affecting Clothing, Carpets, Upholstered Furniture, etc Insects Affecting Tobacco, Books, Seeds, Wood, etc Insects Affecting House Plants Insects Likely to be Present In or On Fruits and Vegetables Brought Into the Home. Other Insects that Enter Dwellings and are Obnoxious by Their Presence Animal Pests Other Than Insects I'ound In or About Dwellings Index Page 3 3 4 9 10 10 17 24 39 49 53 57 67 73 s.", 27363—1 The house By, enlarged ami natural size (authors' illustration). HOUSEHOLD INSECTS AND THEIR CONTROL (WITH A CHAPTER ON ANIMAL PESTS OTHER THAN INSECTS) By Arthur Gibson and C. R. Twinn INTRODUCTION Many kinds of insects occur in dwellings. Some of them attack humans and may be associated with the dissemination of disease. Others feed upon articles of clothing, house furnishings, etc., often doing serious damage. Still others infest foodstuffs and not only cause material loss or render them unfit for human consumption, but by contaminating them with bacteria and other organisms, may endanger health. Certain species are pests of house plants, and so on, apparently little in the home being exempt from attack. It is the purpose of this bulletin to give useful information regarding insect and certain other pests of dwellings, the conditions under which they thrive, and the best available recommendations for their control. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS Care and cleanliness in housekeeping is of prime importance in reducing insect development. Woollens, furs, and other articles of animal origin subject to attack by clothes moths, carpet beetles, etc., should not be left lying about unprotected, particularly in summer time. Carpets and rugs should be either raised and beaten at intervals or periodically cleaned with a vacuum cleaner. Cracks between floor boards, and crevices behind baseboards and in cupboards which harbour lint and dirt and serve as a refuge for insects, should be eliminated as far as possible. Foodstuffs should be carefully protected from the attentions of flies and the attacks of such insects as cockroaches, ants, and the various species that infest cereals, meats and fruits. Food debris should not be left lying on floors, tables, pantry shelves, etc. Clean personal habits will eliminate human body parasites such as lice, and regular washing and proper care of domestic pets such as dogs and cats will destroy fleas. The use of adequate screens on doors and windows excludes many pests. Precautions should be taken to prevent the introduction of insects into the home in foodstuffs and on clothing, in furniture and other household furnishings, particularly second-hand goods. Such widespread and troublesome insects as mosquitoes and houseflies may be largely reduced in numbers by dealing intelligently with their breeding places. To effectively combat these pests organized community effort is often desirable and necessary, but much may be done by individuals in alleviating local conditions. In any event the active co-operation of householders is neces- sary to produce entirely satisfactory results Where household pests have become established there are a number of ways in which they may be eliminated. These include the use of fumigants and other insecticides, the application of heat and cold, improved housekeeping methods and the treatment or elimination of breeding places. 'tin- drawings for the illustrations used in tin's bulletin were made by Mr. Frank C. Hennessey, Artist, Entomological H ranch. 27363— li FUMIGANTS AND INSECTICIDES RECOMMENDED IN THE CONTROL OF HOUSEHOLD INSECTS AND OTHER PESTS In the pages of this bulletin there are numerous references to certain fumigants and insecticides recommended in the control of various insects and other undesirable pests found infesting dwellings. Among these are hydro- cyanic acid gas, ethylene dichloride-carbon tetrachloride, carbon bisulphide, carbon tetrachloride, sulphur, naphthalene, paradichlorobenzene, sodium fluoride, borax, pyrethrum and nicotine. The nature of these materials, their application and the conditions under which they should be used are described in detail in the following pages. HYDROCYANIC ACID GAS This gas is one of the most effective fumigants used in the control of insects and it may be employed without fear of injury to furniture, fabrics or other household goods and equipment. When inhaled it is extremely poisonous to animals and humans and should be used only by intelligent and careful persons fully cognizant of its dangerous properties. In order to guard against accidents, the work of fumigating buildings should be conducted by at least two persons. The antidote for hydrocyanic acid gas poisoning is the inhalation of ammonia fumes. Each operator should carry with him a small bottle containing ammonia or ammonium carbonate and as a precautionary measure should inhale the fumes occasionally. The materials used in fumigation should not be left where they are accessible to irresponsible persons or children. Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas should be attempted only in build- ings that have been completely vacated. It would be highly dangerous to fumigate partially occupied semi-detached houses or single rooms or apart- ments in occupied buildings. The temperature of the structure to be fumigated should be 70° F. or over, and not less than 65° F. Insects become dormant at low temperatures and are less liable to be killed by the gas. Best results arc secured on a calm day as the gas is apt to be dissipated in windy weather. Preparing to Fumigate. — Measure the cubical contents of the space to be fumigated including rooms, hallways, basements and attics, in order to make an estimate of the quantity of materials required. Close all openings such as windows, chimney places, ventilators and outside doors, and stop up any cracks through which the gas may escape, with wet paper or gummed paper strips. Open cupboards, drawers and trunks and raise the carpets from the floor in order to allow the gas to freely penetrate to all places where insects may be in hiding. Remove moist and liquid foodstuffs. Make arrangements to open one or two doors or windows from the outside, if possible on each floor, so that the building may be thoroughly aired before it is entered after the fumigation is complete. Before commencing the fumigation make sure that the building is completely vacant and arrange for the ready egress of the operators. As the gas is lighter than air, commence at the top floor of the building and work down. When all is complete, close and lock the outer doors and post a warning notice to prevent persons entering the building. Two widely used methods of generating hydrocyanic acid gas for fumigating purposes are described in this bulletin. One is the liquid or pot method in which the gas is evolved from the action of sulphuric acid on sodium cyanide. The other, which is easier to apply and less dangerous than the pot method, consists in exposing calcium cyanide to the action of atmospheric moisture. The calcium cyanide method is recommended as the more satisfactory of the two for use under household conditions and is dealt with first. The Calcium Cyanide Method. — Calcium cyanide is sold in tightly scaled cans in the form of dust or fine granules. Coarse grade dust is recommended for the fumigation of buildings. It is applied merely by spreading it thinly on 5 dry papers It combines with the moisture in the air evolving hydrocyanic acid gas and leaves a residue of calcium hydroxide. In applying it the instruc- tions and precautions given in the preceding paragraphs must be carefully followed. In order to increase the humidity of the air and thus accelerate the liberation of the gas a little water should be sprinkled lightly about the building an hour or two before fumigating. No surplus water should be on the floors when the calcium cyanide is distributed. The amount of material to use depends to some extent on the tightness of the building to be fumigated and the insect spcics involved. For general purposes, however, 2 lbs. of calcium cyanide to each 1,000 cubic feet of space has been found satisfactory When all is in readiness distribute dry newspapers about the floors of the rooms and hallways and place m each doorway the requisite number of cans of calcium cyanide with the lids loosened. Commencing at the top of the building scatter the calcium cyanide m a thin layer on the newspapers. Leave the ground floor and basement until the last and treat them simultaneously, the two operators meeting at tn( , ( , x]t an( j i eav j ng t j lc building together. The building should remain closed preferably for 24 hours and not less than is hours After being thoroughly aired for at least two hours by opening doors and windows from the outside, it may be safely entered and occupied The residue from the calcium cyanide should be rolled up in the papers and dis- posed of by burying. The Pol Method of Fumigation.— The materials necessary are sodium cyanide, 96-99 per cent pure; commercial sulphuric acid. 66° Baume; water- ana several large earthenware crocks each of from two to four gallons capacity' Sodium cyanide is a deadly poison and sulphuric acid a highly corrosive acid and great precautions are necessary in handling them. It is advisable to wear old clothing when fumigating with these materials, and to have on hand a strong solution of common washing soda with which to neutralize any of the acid that may be inadvertently splashed on one's person. The pot method of fumigation consists of dropping sodium cyanide into mimed sulphuric acid, hydrocyanic acid gas being rapidly evolved leaving a residue of sodium sulphate. The amounts of materials to use for each 1 000 cubic teet of space are: Sodium cyanide 16 ounces by weight Sulphuric acid 24 fluid ounces Water 32 fluid ounces Place the crocks in a sink or bath tub. Pour in each the necessary quantity of water afterwards carefully adding the acid, allowing it to run slowly down the Side 01 the crock, stirring meanwhile. Never add the water to the acid. The addition of the acid causes the evolution of considerable heat and if done hurriedly may cause boiling and splashing. Distribute th< crocks in each of the looms to be tunugated placing then, on thick layers of newspapers to protect the floors from any acid which may be spilled or splashed over. Weigh out the requisite ^amount of sodium cyanide lor each crock into thin paper bags. Flacea bag beside each crock. When the directions and precautions described in earlier paragraphs have been observed and all is in readiness, commence at the top floor and drop the bags into the crocks. Do each floor in succession, working from the top down. Then close up all entrances to the building. Allow the fumigation to proceed for from is to 24 hours. Afterwards the build- ing should be well aired and the residue from the acid and sodium cvanidc disposed ol down a drain or sink, or buried deeply in the ground. ETHYLENE DICHLORIDE-CARBON TETRACHLORIDE The valuable properties of ethylene dichloride-carbon tetrachloride as a sate_and effective fumigant were only recently discovered.* This fumigant *R. T. Cotton and R. C. Roark, Jour. Kcon. Eat. XX 636 1927 27363-2 6 consists of three parts by volume of ethylene dichloride and one part by volume of carbon tetrachloride. It gives off a gas heavier than air which is destructive to insect life, but comparatively harmless to humans. This gas has the further advantage of being non-inflammable and non-injurious to fabrics, furniture and other household goods. Its discoverers, Messrs. R. T. Cotton and R. C. Roark, United States Department of Agriculture, recommend that it be used in gas- tight chambers at the rate of 5 quarts or 14 lbs. of liquid to each 1,000 cubic feet of space, at a temperature of not less than 65° F. (preferably 70° F. or over) for a period of 24 hours. It has been found very satisfactory in dest roving insects infesting upholstered furniture, clothing, various stored products, etc. It is said to be an excellent substitute for carbon bisulphide (the gas from which is highly inflammable and explosive) and may be used in fumigating gas-tight rooms, trunks, closets, etc. under household conditions. This fumigant is applied by pouring it into shallow pans and placing the latter at the top of the enclosed space to lie fumigated. The gas from it penetrates downwards through the infested materials. Persons using the gas should avoid breathing it in large quantities as it has an anaesthetic action somewhat similar to that of chloroform. CARBON BISULPHIDE Carbon bisulphide is a colourless liquid which on exposure to air vaporizes into a foul-smelling, highly inflammable, poisonous gas, heavier than air. Used in sufficient concentration and at the right temperature it is very destructive to insect life and lias excellent penetrating qualities. It is extremely useful for carrying out fumigation work on a small scale such as fumigating insect-infested materials in tightly constructed boxes, trunks and other containers, and in closets, single rooms and fumigation chambers. It is also useful in destroy- ing insects that nest underground such as certain species of wasps and ants. Owing to the highly inflammable nature of carbon bisulphide gas and the fact that it forms an explosive mixture with air, it is unwise to use it in the fumiga- tion of entire buildings. There is little danger, however, when it is used as suggested, providing reasonable care is exercised and it is not exposed to any form of fire. Carbon bisulphide is most effective when used at temperatures of 70° V.. or over. The quantity to use varies from 4 to 8 lbs. of liquid to each 1,000 cubic feet of space, depending on the gas tightness of the receptacle. Receptacles used in fumigation may be made more gas-tight by pasting paper strips over all cracks and other openings. Carbon bisulphide gas is nearly three times heavier than air and penetrates downwards. It is necessary, therefore, to expose the liquid carbon bisulphide at the top of the space to be fumigated, using shallow containers for this purpose. The fumigation should lie allowed to continue for at least 24 hours. CARBON TETRACHLORIDE Carbon tetrachloride is often used in place of carbon bisulphide as a fumigant chiefly owing to the fact that the gas into which it vaporizes is non- inflammable and non-poisonous. Apart from the absence of fire hazard, how- ever, it has the disadvantage of being considerably less effective than carbon bisulphide and it is necessary to use twice or three times the quantity required when using the latter. Carbon tetrachloride may be used for fumigation purposes under conditions similar to those described for carbon bisulphide. The gas into which it vaporizes is heavier than air. To secure good results it is necessary to use from 15 to 20 lbs. of liquid to each 1,000 cubic feet of space in reasonably gas-tight rooms or receptacles, at a temperature of not less than 70° F., for ti period of at least 24 hours. SULPHUR When sulphur is burned it combines with oxygen in the air forming sulphur dioxide. Sulphur fumigation is widely used owing to the cheapness and avail- ability of this material. Our experience, however, indicates that it is decidedly less effective in destroying insects than hydrocyanic acid gas. Moreover it tarnishes metals and has a bleaching effect on wallpaper and fabrics, par- ticularly in the presence of moisture. For this reason its use is not specially recommended in this bulletin. The following directions are given, however, for those who wish to make use of it Remove metal objects or smear them with a thin coating of vaseline. -Make the rooms as gas-tight as possible, as described under hydrocyanic acid lias fumigation. Open all cupboards, drawers, etc. Secure a sufficient number ot old pails or other metal containers and place one in each room. Stand each pail in a larger vessel containing a little water to prevent danger of fire. Place a small heap of charcoal in the bottom of each pail, ignite it and when it is burn- ing well, carefully add the sulphur. Close the door of each room and make it as gas-tight as possible with newspapers or gummed paper strips, \llow the fumigation to proceed from 18 to 24 hours. At least 2 lbs. of sulphur should be burned for each 1,000 cubic feet of space. If the space to be fumigated is not gas-tight the amount of sulphur should be increased. NAPHTHALENE _ Naphthalene is a popular, well-tried and safe material, for use in preventing injury to clothing and other fabrics, by clothes moths, carpet beetles, etc It is sold id the form of Hakes and moth balls by most druggists, the flakes often being mixed with lavender flowers or red cedar chips. In our opinion best results are secured by using naphthalene alone. The fumes of naththalene, when present in a sufficient lv high concentration, areletha] to insects. As the fumes are given off very slowly, naphthalene finds its best application in protecting materials in tightly constructed chests, trunks and other receptacles over extended periods of time. To be effective it is neces- sary to use about 1 lb. of fresh naphthalene to an ordinary sized trunk and to renew the material at least once each year, preferably early' in the spring. PARADICHLOROBENZENE Paradichlorobenzene is often used as a substitute for naphthalene. It is a white crystalline powder which, at ordinary temperatures, slowlv vaporizes into a gas. The gas is non-inflammable and non-poisonous to humans, but is toxic to insects. It is effective in preventing insect injury when used in reason- ably gas-tight receptacles in the same quantities as naphthalene. It has proved as satisfactory as the latter when used under similar e litions, but is sold at a considerably higher price. SODIUM FLUORIDE Sodium fluoride is sold in the form of a fine white powder. It is an effective insecticide agamsl such insects as cockroaches, silver fish and ants, and forms the basis of many proprietary insect powders. It is applied by scattering or dusting it in places frequented by these insects. The small puffers or insect guns sold by druggists are useful for distributing the powder. Small particles ot the powder adhere to the bodies of the insects and. in endeavouring to clean themselves with then- mouthparts, they are poisoned by it. Sodium fluoride does not lose its ellert lveness on exposure to air as does pvrethrum, and may be left in infested places until the insects have all disappeared, or as long as convenient. Ill view of its poisonous nature, care should be taken in using sodium fluoride, and children or domestic animals should not be allowed to have access to it. BORAX In the past powdered borax has been used as a cockroach poison, either alone or mixed with powdered sweet chocolate or sugar. In recent years, however, it has been superseded to a considerable extent by sodium fluoride. Unlike the 27363—2* 8 latter it is not an active poison to man or domestic animals. In addition to its use againt cockroaches, borax is also of value as a larvicide to destroy house fly maggots in manure. PYRETHRUM Pyrethrum. also known as Persian insect powder, Dalmatian powder and buhach, is a yellowish powder made from the finely ground flower heads of certain species of chrysanthemums. It has excellent insecticidal properties when fresh and forms the basis of numerous proprietary insect powders and fly sprays. Its value as an insecticide is due to the presence of a volatile oil which on contact with insects kills or paralyses them. This oil dissipates on exposure to air and it is, therefore, necessary to use fresh pyrethrum of good quality and to store it in tightly sealed containers. Pyrethrum is harmless to humans and animals and, therefore, is particularly well adapted for use under household conditions. PYRETHRUM-KEROSENE SPRAY A very useful spray for destroying insects in dwellings may he easily and cheaply made from pyrethrum insect powder and kerosene. "This is prepared by adding one-half pound of pyrethrum to one gallon (8.08 lbs.) of kerosene, allowing the mixture to stand and agitating it at intervals over a period of about two hours (or longer), thus ensuring that practically all the active principle of the pyrethrum is dissolved. The residue of the pyrethrum settles to the bottom of the vessel as a brown sediment, and the clear liquid, which is pale lemon- yellow in colour, may either be syphoned or filtered off. When the spray is required for use in farm buildings, it may be satisfactorily prepared with ordinary kerosene and it is unnecessary to add any other chemicals. For household use, however, to remove any possibility of staining fabrics or furniture, water-white kerosene should be used, and, in order to impart a pleasant odour, methyl salicylate may be added at the rate of three fluid ounces to each gallon. The spray should be kept in a tightly corked container to prevent it from deteriorating in strength, as the active principle of pyrethrum is volatile."* To destroy flies the spray should be applied in the form of a fine mist by means of a small hand sprayer using about one fluid ounce to each 1,000 cubic feet of space. The spray operates best in a confined space and best results are secured when doors and windows are closed. The dead and paralysed insects should be swept up and burned or dropped into hot water to prevent any from recovering. There are a number of proprietary fly sprays on the market similar in composition to the one described above, which may be substituted for it, by those who wish to avoid the trouble of preparing their own spray material. NICOTINE DUST Dusts containing 2 per cent of nicotine have proven efficient in destroying insects such as plant lice and whiteflies infesting house plants. The dusts may be applied by means of a small hand duster or blower, after covering the plants with a cloth to prevent the material from being scattered about the room. Weigel and Middletonf recommend two formulae from which the dust may be prepared, either of which is effective. These are: Nicotine sulphate (40%) ^ ounce Hydrated lime 9^ ounces or Nicotine sulphate (40%) \ ounce Hydrated lime \\ ounces ^Finely ground sulphur 5 ounces •Twinn, C. R. and F. A. Herman, Sci. Agric. VIII, Xo. 7, March, 1928. fU.S. F. B. H95, 1926, p. 3. 9 "The nicotine-sulphate solution must be thoroughly mixed with the dust earner, and the dust should either be used promptly or stored in an air-tight glass or metal container, to avoid loss of nicotine by evaporation. To prepare small quantities of this dust first mix the dry ingredients carefully, then slowly sprinkle the required quantity of nicotine-sulphate solution over 'the dust, and mix thoroughly. Then sift the dust through a flour sieve about three times in order to obtain an even distribution of nicotine through the dust. The small lumps that may appear on the sieve screen, especially in the first sifting, should be crushed through the screen."' In preparing and applying the dust one should avoid inhaling ,t owing to its irritating effect on the delicate membranes of the nose and throat. INSECT CONTROL BY TEMPERATURE The application of high and low temperatures for the destruction of insect lite is well-known and is particularly useful against insects infesting dwellings and other buildings. If applied under the conditions and according to the directions given below it will be found a simple, inexpensive and effective method oi control. Superheating.— Superheating consists of raising the temperature of an mtested room or building sufficiently high to cause the death of insects. It is most satisfactorily applied in the warm months of the year when outdoor temperatures are high, and preferably in calm weather. To be effective the temperature of the room or building must be raised to at least 120° F prefer- ably 130 , and maintained at that level for a period of six hours. In Canada Wfiere the cold winters necessitate the use of central heating systems, this mav • ™V n W , rm weftther < ofteD without recourse to additional means of heat- ing. Where the permanent heating system is found inadequate for this purpose available auxiliary means of raising the temperature must be introduced before commencing to superheat, remove all inflammable materials and articles and substances liable to be adversely affected by heat. Open cup- boards, trunks and other receptacles, raise carpets, rugs, and the cushions of furniture, and spread out bedding and clothing to allow the heat to penetrate readily wherever insects may be hiding. Close windows tightly and, where possible attach storm windows. Place a thermometer in each room about two leet from the floor level to record the temperature. When all is in readiness commence superheating. This preferably should be early in the morning in °-i I'f ii^i ' °.P eratlon n,a >' ho completed and the dwelling occupied before nightfall. 1 Qe time taken m reaching a temperature of 120° F. varies according to outside temperature conditions, the nature of the building and the efficiency of the heating system. Temperature readings should be made once each hour. After the temperature has reached 120° F. it should be maintained for a period o at least six hours. In order to lessen the possibility of injury to the finish ot lurniture it is advisable not to allow the temperature to rise- above 140° F. at a point two feet from the floor level. Freezing.— When outside temperatures register zero or below zero, as often happens during the winter months in Canada, it is possible to destroy insects miesting upholstered furniture, fabrics, foodstuffs, etc., merely by exposing the aifested articles outdoors for several hours. This simple but effective method is particularly valuable in ridding expensive upholstered furniture of such injurious insects as clothes moths. Its use mav be extended to controlling insects in entire buildings, providing all water pipes, tanks, etc.. are first emptied of water, and other precautions taken to prevent possible damage from the effects of freezing. Windows and doors must be opened and the sub-zero temperature allowed to penetrate throughout the building for a period of at least 12 hours and preferably for 24 hours. 10 INSECTS AFFECTING OUR PERSONS, HEALTH AND FOODSTUFFS Under the above beading are included the two-winged flies, which are among the most annoying and dangerous of insects; body parasites such as bed- bugs, fleas and lice; and many diverse forms of insect life that chiefly affect foodstuffs, but certain of which may also have a deleterious effect on health. 1. Two-winged Flies THE HOUSE FLY, Musea dameslica L. Of the several species of two-winged flies found in houses and other build- ings, the house fly (frontispiece) is by far the most abundant and annoying. This species measures about one-quarter of an inch in length, is dusky-grey in colour and may be distinguished from other house-infesting flies by the presence of four dark longitudinal stripes on the thorax, and by its mouthparts which are pad-shaped at the tip and not fitted for piercing as are those of the stable fly which it closely resembles. The house fly is world-wide in distribution and is notorious for the part it plays in the dissemination of such dangerous diseases as typhoid, infantile diarrhoea, tuberculosis, cholera, dysentery, etc. It breeds in filth, such as various kinds of manure, human faeces and garbage. It is a menace to public health owing to its habit of passing directly from filth to human food carrying bacteria and other organisms and particles of decom- posing organic matter on its hairy body and legs and sticky feet and mouth- parts. Undesirable organisms may also be conveyed to food in its excreta and regurgitated saliva (fly-specks). House flies pass through four life-stages, namely: the egg. larva or maggot, pupa (see fig. 1), and winged adult. The female (lies deposit their small, elongate, pearly-white eggs in batches of 100 to 150 in fresh manure, human faeces, garbage, or other decomposing organic matter. It is possible for one female to lay 600 ogus or more during the course of her lifetime. The eggs hatch usually within 24 hours, the actual time varying with temperature conditions. The larvae are small, slender, creamy-white, headless and legless maggots. These may be seen readily as writhing masses close to the surface of the material in which they are developing. On reaching maturity, which may happen in less than a week in warm weather, the larvae migrate to a suitable place to transform into the pupal stage. Pupation usually occurs along the edges of manure piles, in the surrounding soil, or in the ashes and soil with which city garbage dumps frequently are covered. The pupae are smooth, dark-drown in colour, and in size and shape as shown in figure 1. The pupal stage lasts about a week, more or less, depending on temperature conditions. From the pupae the winged flies emerge and shortly commence egg-laying. Thus, in warm weather the period elapsing from the time the egg is laid until the emergence of the winged fly may be less than two weeks. Several generations of house flies develop during the warm months of the year, the number Varying with the character of the season. The flies are most numerous in summer and early autumn, but diminish rapidly on the advent of cold weather. Control. — The most effective and desirable method of controlling house flies undoubtedly consists in eliminating or reducing their breeding places to a minimum by properly treating or disposing of such materials as manure and garbage. Fresh horse manure is a prolific source of house fly production and this material is probably chiefly responsible for the majority of flies in rural sections. In the cities, where horses have been largely replaced in favour of 11 mechanical transport, garbage is an important factor in fly production. To be effective, control measures directed against the breeding places should be organized on a community basis supported by a public well-informed on the menace of the house fly to health and the means by which it may be combated. Fig. 1— 'The bouse fly; 1, eggs; 2,larv»; 3, pupse; all natural size; 4, manure pile— a typical breeding place (authors' illustration). 12 One neglected manure heap or garbage dump is often sufficient to infest a whole neighbourhood, and it is therefore necessary to enlist the active co-opera- tion of the whole community. Treatment of Manure. — Stables, particularly those situated in urban sections, should be well constructed, the floors preferably being of concrete laid in such a manner as to allow of good drainage and thorough cleansing. Where it is not possible to remove the manure daily, it should be temporarily stored in fly-proof receptacles. Such receptacles may be constructed of concrete in the form of a large bin with a raisable lid to allow the manure to be thrown in. and a hinged door in the front which when lifted up allows the manure to be removed. In urban areas during the summer months collections of manure should be removed and disposed of at least twice a week. In rural sections, where practicable, the manure should be removed daily and spread thinly in fields where the drying effect of sun and wind will prevent breeding. An alter- nate method consists of taking advantage of the .heat produced by fermentation when manure is placed in tightly packed piles. The manure pile should be constructed on hard ground or concrete to prevent the larvae from having access to soil in which to pupate. The sides of the pile should be clean cut and almost vertical, but sloping slightly towards the centre. As fresh manure is added to the pile it should be tightly packed by means of a shovel. The heat produced by fermentation is effective in destroying all house fly eggs, larvae and pupae, except possibly those close to the surface of the top layer. The application by means of a watering can of a solution of borax prepared by dis- solving 1 lb. of borax in (i gallons of water will effectively destroy any fly stages present in the top layer. Six gallons of the solution is sufficient to treat M) square feet of surface area. Another method to prevent flies breeding, recommended by United States authors, is to use a maggot trap consisting of a shallow concrete basin sloping slightly, and connected With a cistern by means of a drain fitted with a stopper. Over this basin is erected a wooden platform constructed of strips of wood nailed on a frame one foot high, the strips being about 1§ inches apart. On this plat- form the manure is piled. Water is kept in the basin and the maggots migrating in search of soil to pupate fall into the water and are drowned. The water can be drained into the cistern by removing the stopper at intervals. Manure should not be allowed to collect in the basin. Steps also should be taken to prevent the accumulation of manures from other domestic livestock such as pigs, cattle and poultry, as flies will also breed in these substances, although to a much lesser extent. Treatment of Garbage. — Organic refuse such as household garbage should be wrapped in paper and stored in fly-proof garbage cans until finally disposed of by burning. The accumulating of garbage in municipal dumps during the warm months of the year should be discouraged. Such dumps produce enormous numbers of flies as well as other vermin, and with their malodorous exhalations constitute a serious public nuisance. The only satisfactory method of disposing of municipal garbage during the fly season consists in the use of incinerators. Covering the garbage with soil or ashes does not prevent flies from breeding, as in the majority of cases, the garbage becomes heavily infested with fly eggs and larvae before this work is carried out. Soil and ashes serve as a satisfactory medium for the larvae to pupate in and do not prevent the flies from emerging, as the latter have been known to fori e their way to the surface from pupae buried in six feet of sandy soil. Treatment of Human Excrement. — The problem of fly-breeding in human excrement is largely confined to rural and suburban districts where open closets are commonly in use. Flies frequently swarm in great numbers about such places and constitute a very real menace to public health as they may readily 13 carry disease organisms from the faecal matter to human food, particularly milk. Open closets should be adequately screened and the faeces liberally scattered with powdered borax or chloride of lime. Kerosene, also, has been found useful in this connection. Control in Divellings. — Although the removal and destruction of breeding places is the most effective method of disposing of the fly nuisance, it undoubt- edly will be many years before it is generally adopted, and, in the meantime, measures should be taken to exclude flies from dwellings and to prevent them from contaminating food. Doors and windows of houses and other buildings should be screened and all flies that gain access destroyed. This may be done by the use of fly swatters and tanglefoot strips, or by exposing in saucers poisoned bait made by mixing one teaspoonful of formalin in a cupful of sweet- ened milk or water, or by spraying with the pyrethrum-kerosene spray described on page 8. This fly spray, which is cheap and easy to prepare, operates best in a closed space. The dead and paralysed flies should lie swept up and burned or be thrown into very hot water to prevent any from recovering. THE LESSER HOUSE FLY, Fannin caniadaris L. Next in importance to the common house fly, among flies infesting dwellings, is the lesser house fly. This species is most noticeable in spring and early summer before it is vastly outnumbered, on the advent of hot weather, by the common house fly, for which it is often mistaken. It is smaller than the common house fly, but may be distinguished from the latter by the presence of only three dark longitudinal stripes on the thorax, and by the narrow taper- ing abdomen, the basal segments of which are partially translucent. The larvae are flattened, spiny maggots and breed in decaying organic matter and human faeces. Control. — The measures recommended in connection with the care and disposal of decaying organic matter, and the disposal and treatment of manure and human faeces to prevent the breeding of house flies and the spread of disease (see p. 12) are equally applicable in the case of the above species. The screening of doors and windows and the destruction of flies that gain entrance by the use of tanglefoot, poisoned bait or fly sprays (see p. 8) are also recommended. THE LATRINE FLY, Fannia scalar is Fab. The latrine fly is closely related to the lesser house fly, which it greatly resembles. It has been named the latrine fly owing to its habit of breeding in human excrement. It is commonly found in dwellings. Control. — Same as for the lesser house fly, particular attention being paid to the disposal and treatment of human faeces. THE LARGE STABLE FLY, Mvscina statvlan* Fall. The large stable fly is often found in dwellings, and is commonly mistaken for the house fly. It closely resembles the latter species, but is larger and more robust. The larvae breed in various kinds of decomposing organic matter. Control. — Dispose of decomposing organic matter by incineration. Exclude flies from the home by the use of adequate screens. Destroy those that gain entrance as described under the control of the house fly. THE STABLE FLY, Stomoxys ailcilrans L. The stable fly is similar in appearance to the common house fly but may be distinguished from it by its awl-like proboscis. This species is most in evidence from July to October and commonly lives outdoors, entering houses for shelter in dull or stormy weather. Both sexes suck blood and attack domestic animals and man, inflicting a painful and irritating bite. The larvae breed in manure and decomposing organic matter. 27363—3 14 ( 'mitral. — The measures recommended for the control of the house fiy (see p. 10) will prove equally efficacious in controlling this species. BLOW FLIES In general, blow flies are rather large, noisy, metallic blue or green insects, which deposit their eggs and breed in a variety of organic matter such as fresh and decaying meat, garbage and human faeces. They also lay eggs in wounds and sores in living animals and man, their larvae developing therein. This condition is known as myiasis and is discussed more fully on page 17. Fig. 2— The blue-bottle fly, Colli phora vomitoria L., enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). Owing to their habit of frequenting faeces, diseased and decaying meat, other filth, wounds and sores, blow flies may transmit disease. They frequently enter dwellings in search of food anil shelter (hiring the spring and summer months, and deposit their eggs on exposed meat. There are a number of species 15 of these flies in Canada. Two common species are the blue-bottle flv, Calliphora vomitona L., and the green-bottle fly. Lueilia caesar L. The former species (fig. 2) measures about one-half an inch in length and has a bluish-black thorax and dark metallic blue abdomen; the latter is slightly larger than the common house fly and is of a brilliant bluish-green colour. Control. — Dispose of carcasses and offal by burial or incineration. Prevent the flies from having access to human faeces in such places as open privies by treating the faeces with powdered borax or chloride of lime, and covering them with soil. Do not allow the accumulation of decaying organic matter in such places as municipal dumps, but dispose of it by burning. Protect open wounds and sores from flies. Do not expose meat where the flies mav deposit their eggs on it. Use screens on doors and windows. Flies that have gained access to dwellings may lie destroyed by spraying with the pvrethrum-kerosene sprav described on page 8. FRUIT FLIES Small, light reddish-brown flies may often be seen flving in numbers in dwellings about overripe or decaying fruit. These flies, which measure barely one-eighth of an inch in length, are fruit flies of the genus Drosophila. Fruit flies ay their eggs and breed in decaying fruit, pickle mustard, fermenting liquids, etc., and their small, slender, white larvae or maggots sometimes may be found in large numbers in jars of preserved fruit and pickles, that have been left open or imperfectly sealed. < »wmg to their small size it is difficult to exclude fruit flies from houses by means of ordinary fly-screens. They also may gain access in paper bags or other containers in which overripe or fermenting fruit is brought into the home. They reproduce rapidly, their entire life-cvele from egg to winged flv occupying less than two weeks. Control.— -Overripe or decaying fruit should be removed and destroved as soon as noticed. Jars of preserved fruits should be hermetically sealed and when opened should not be left exposed where the flies may lay their eggs in the contents. The adult flies may be destroved by spraving with pvrethrum- kerosene spray (see p. 8). THE CHEESE SKIPPER, PiopkUa casei L. The adult of the cheese skipper is a small, shining black fly about three- sixteenths of an inch long. The name cheese skipper is applied to the white maggot of this fly owing to the fact that it possesses peculiar powers of leaping. I he maggots are known to leap as far as four or five inches. The female fly lavs her small eggs on exposed cheese, also on cured meats; these hatch into white maggots, it is unwise to eat cheese or meat infested with the living maggots (see under myiasis, p. 17). Control. — In the United States, where this insect causes considerable injury, the following control measures are recommended by Herrick; "Pantries or store- rooms once infested should be thoroughly cleaned, fumigated with sulphur, and washed With ordinary kerosene oil. Special pains should be taken to clean out the cracks and wash them with the oil because the puparia of the flies may often lurk in such places. The flies may be kept out of rooms or receptacles by using wire screen having 24 mesh to the inch. If these pests are troublesome, the storeroom should be thoroughly screened so that the flies cannot gain entrance." Hams may be protected by storing them in linen bags. MOSQUITOES There are about sixty species of mosquitoes in Canada, many of which feed on the blood of man. Although the majority of them, particularly those of the genus Aedes (fig. 3) are most troublesome in field and woodland, in certain 27363—31 16 seasons they often cause considerable annoyance indoors as well. This is particularly true in the case of summer cottages and unscreened dwellings situated in localities where mosquitoes are seasonally abundant. Their attacks are most noticeable at dusk and in warm, dull, humid weather. In autumn and winter complaints are frequently received of the presence of numbers of mosquitoes in cellars and basements. These mosquitoes are hibernating females of the genera Culc.c and Anopheles which pass the winter as winged adults in protected situations and attacks from them are rare. The more common mosquitoes, Aedes, are seen only during the warm months of the year as they overwinter in the egg stage out-of-doors. <$ Fig. 3 — Life-stages of a mosquito: 1, adult female: 2, larva; 3, pupa: 4, eggs; all of the geaus Aedes (after Hearle). In many parts of Eastern Canada, the cosmopolitan house mosquito, Culex pipiens L., is now well established, particularly in towns and cities, and in one large city has become a decided public nuisance. This mosquito will breed in any stagnant bodies of water in the vicinity of houses and is most prolific in water polluted with sewage or other decomposing matter. This speciesws rarely found far from dwellings which it enters freely, biting particu- larly at night. 17 Control— All mosquitoes develop in more or less stagnant collections of water and the most satisfactory way of controlling them is by eliminating the breeding places by draining or filling, or by treating the surface of infested waters with petroleum oil. One fluid ounce of oil of good spreading qualities is sufficient to treat lo square feet of water surface. Such work is best con- ducted as a community enterprise and is discussed more fully in Entomological Branch Circular No. 62, entitled "Mosquito Control in Canada," copies of which may be had on request.* Householders may assist in such work and alleviate to some extent conditions in their own immediate vicinity by screen- ing water containers and eliminating or oiling small bodies of water in which mosquitoes are known to be breeding. Doors and windows of dwellings should be properly screened preferably with screens of not less than 16 meshes to the inch. Mosquitoes which have gained access to buildings may be destroyed by spraying with the pyrethrum-kerosene spray discussed on page 8. For other two-winged flies invading dwellings also see under cluster-fly, midges and other flies (p. 67). MYIASIS Myiasis is the term given to diseased conditions arising when the larvae ot Hies invade or attack the organs and tissues of living animals and man. There are a number of different species of flies that may cause myiasis. The larvae ot blow flies winch normally occur in dead animal matter," on occasion have been found developing in neglected open wounds ami sores and in the nasal pZTL ° f . v peraons fffejmg from catarrh. Internal myiasis is sometimes ZaZ it3 + thc f maf f ° r. of ccrtain s l 5etles of ^s invading the intestinal and urogenital tracts. In this connection, many species have been listed by various ZrlZV m 'Il f an T ° f . the commo » bo«w fly, the lesser house fly, the and others *' 7 ^ • ski ' , I ,ors ^ B^us n ^s (rat-tailed maggots), of J2H?" ( 4 *fm*i*-- -Myiasis usually occurs through carelessness or lack Thnrnnl T SS ' \ niU *\°V™ wo " nds and sores from flies by antiseptic dressings. lnoiougnl> wash vegetables to be eaten raw, as it is possible for flv maggots to gam entrance to the intestinal tract on such food. Do not eat cheese or other food iniested with living maggots. Avoid drinking water from a doubtful source unless it has been filtered or chlorinated. Screen sleeping infantifS br^di,.; n ffl / eS ''T ° Ut8lde - ,,n , VleS by adec l uat e screens. Prevent the ((ling of flies by destroying animal carcasses, other carrion and garbage by n £' T r Pr01 , H ; rly to 8 ** * of ">««" as described under the control for treatment P ^" C * BM mym ^ P™"^ ***** a physician 2. Body Parasites and Wasps THE COMMON BEDBUG, Cimex teettdariw L. p J he ™ nimo » bedbug occurs throughout Canada from the Atlantic to the . ii * .T, , ;<>f proterti-.n from mosquhoe*, MftckflieS and ,imi!ur peats in tin- forest write for Dept. of Agnc. Pamphlet No. 5.5, New Series. 'orest, 18 or true bugs. They are nocturnal in habit, hiding during the daytime in cracks and crevices in walls, woodwork and furniture and behind pictures and under loose wallpaper. Both sexes feed on mammalian blood, particularly that of man and are capable of existing for long periods without food. They will migrate short distances in search of blood and consequently one infested apart- ment or flat is a continual menace to others in close proximity. The effect of their bites varies in different individuals, causing little or no discomfort in some, and swellings and inflammation in others. The ability of the bedbug to transmit certain diseases from one host to another, has been demonstrated by investigators in other countries, and from this aspect alone its destruction is highly desirable. Fig. i — The bed bug, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). The bedbug lays its small white elongate eggs in cracks and crevices used as hiding places. In a badly infested apartment in Ottawa eggs also were found in large numbers on the blankets, mat tress, woodwork, and springs of a bed. The eggs hatch in from seven to fourteen days, or longer, depending on temperature conditions. The young nymphs on hatching from the eggs have tiie same general appearance as the mature bugs, but are smaller and paler in colour until after feeding. They molt or shed their skins live times before reaching maturity. At least one meal of blood is necessary between each molt. The life-cycle of the bedbug, from egg to adult, occupies from six weeks to a year, depending on temperature and food conditions. Control. — The control of bedbugs is most satisfactorily accomplished by fumigating with hydrocyanic acid gas (see p. 4) or by superheating (see p. 9). Fumigation with sulphur dioxide by burning sulphur (see p. (>) has been fre- quently recommended in literature, but in our experience lias proved unsatis- factory. Other methods of control, slower in operation and less sure in results than those recommended above, are given in the following paragraph. 19 Spray liberally all (Tacks and crevices in walls, woodwork, furniture, etc., wherever the bugs may hide, with gasoline, kerosene, or the kerosene-pyrethrum spray discussed on page 8. Remove old, torn and loose wallpaper, and re-paper after thoroughly washing down the walls. Wherever possible fill up cracks in walls, floors and cupboards with putty, or a proprietary crack-filler, and com- plete the work with a coat of paint or varnish. THE SWALLOW BUG, Oedaeus vicarius Horv. Occasionally we receive complaints of the presence of the swallow bug in houses. The insect is, apparently, widespread in Canada as records have been received from Nova Scotia and British Columbia. In one locality, in the latter province, bugs of this species were observed to invade houses following the removal of swallows nests in which the presence of the bugs had been previously noted. In a recent number of The Canadian Entomologist* Prof. G. J. Spencer of the University of British Columbia, records instances of this Dug biS human beings One correspondent from whom he received specimen^ stated that the insects were discovered in the house in late July, and on knocking down swaUows nests the latter were found to be swarming with the bugs which later invaded the house in large numbers, forcing the occupants to move into tents to sleep. The full-grown swallow bug is about half the size of the mature common bedbug In general, it is similar in colour and appearance to the latter insect, and could not be distinguished therefrom by the casual observer. Covdrd.— Superheating, as recommended for the common bedbug, would also, ol course, destroy infestations of the swallow bug. Prof. Spenccrf suggests from personal experience, that the practice be followed of knocking down the swallows nests on a bright day as soon as the young birds are fledged and flying, afterwards immediately sweeping up and burning the nests and debris. FLEAS Fleas are frequently troublesome in houses particularly during the late summer and early autumn. They are small, hard-bodied, active insects, wing- less, but possessing powerful legs well-fitted for jumping. Their mouthparts form a lance-like piercing organ with which they penetrate the skin of their victim and suck blood. Their laterally compressed bodies and the backward- projecting spines with which they are equipped are admirably adapted for allow- ing the flea to move rapidly among the hairs of its host. The cat flea, Cteno- cephalus fd,s ( urt., and the dog flea, C. canis Bouche (fig. 5) are the two species of fleas which have proved most troublesome in Canada. These insects, which normally infest cats and dogs, will readily attack human beings when hungry 1 hey are most frequently complained of in this connection in late summer, usua ly by people returning from summer vacations and entering a house that has been unoccupied for several weeks. In temporarily vacant houses, un- disturbed by the cleaning activities of the housewife, the fleas multiply rapidly, so that when the occupants return they are met by large numbers' of these actively-jumping insects which attack them voraciously. The hfe-history of these fleas is briefly as follows:" The small, white, oval eggs are deposited loosely among the hairs of cats and dogs or in their sleeping places, the eggs drop or are shaken from the animals and hatch into tiny, cylindrical legless maggots which feed on various organic substances in floor cracks, under carpets, etc. On reaching maturity, the larvae spin small silken cocoons and transform into the pupal or resting stage, emerging later as adult fleas. Fleas are obnoxious not only on account of their repulsive appearance and the discomfort caused by their bites, but also because they may transmit •January, 1930. tin litt., November 25, 1930. 20 undesirable organisms and disease to human beings. Cat and dog fleas are numbered among the species of fleas which are carriers of bubonic plague, and it is possible that they may convey other diseases. In addition to the cat and dog fleas, two other species known to attack humans occur in Canada, namely, the human flea, Pulcx irritans L., and the European chicken flea, Ceratophyllus gallinae Schrank. The former was found infesting a dwelling at New Westminster, B.C., in June, 1930, and was also taken at Kamloops, B.C. The latter species which is a parasite of fowls and wild birds in the eastern provinces of Canada, was recorded attacking humans in a dwelling in Bruce county, Ont., in Maj , 1930. Fig. 5 — The dosr Bea, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). Control. — As cats and dogs are usually the source of infestations, steps should be taken to rid them of fleas. This may be done by dusting the animals thoroughly, over newspapers, with fresh pyrethrum insect powder which kills or stuns the fleas and causes them to fall on the paper, after which they may be destroyed by burning; or, the animals may be kept free by washing them occasionally in a solution of creolin, 2 per cent for cats and 3 per cent for dogs. followed shortly after by soap and warm water. The sleeping places of cats and dogs should be kept scrupulously clean. Dusting such places with fresh pyreth- nim powder prevents fleas from breeding. When fleas are present in large num- bers the quickest and most effective method of destroying them is by the use of hydrocyanic acid gas, using f lb. of calcium cyanide per 1,000 cubic feet (see p. 4) or by superheating (see p. 9). Another method consists of liberally spraying the rooms with pyrethrum-kerosene spray (sec p. 8) to kill the adult fleas, followed by a thorough housecleaning, including scrubbing the floors with soap and hot water to destroy the immature stages (eggs, larvae and pupae) which may be present in floor cracks. When possible the use of a vacuum cleaner on Moors, carpets and rugs is recommended. LICE Lice thrive on people living in an unclean and crowded environment, but even the cleanest of persons may become temporarily infested by contact or association with their less clean fellows. There are three species of lice which feed oft the blood of man. These are the head louse, Pediculus humanue hwnanus L., the body louse, Pediculus kumanus corporis DeG., and the crab louse, Phihirus pubis Leach. 21 Head and body lice are small, wingless insects, elongate-oval in shape, and one-sixth of an inch or less in length, varying in colour from whitish to brown. They are of importance not only from the standpoint of cleanliness and com- fort, but also because in many parts of the world they play a vital role in the dissemination of such diseases as typhus fever, relapsing fever and trench fever. The latter disease, which is spread by the excreta of lice, gained prominence during the World War and was responsible for many casualties in the belligerent armies. Head and body lice are almost indistinguishable in appearance, but the head louse (fig. (>) is usually smaller, darker, and more active than the body louse. The head louse lays its tiny oval eggs or nits on the hairs of the head, and the body louse on the clothing and hairs of the body. The crab louse is smaller than either the head or body louse and in general appearance resembles a tiny crab. Its body measures about one-fifteenth of an inch in length and its legs are large in comparison to the size of the body, and clumsy in appearance, particularly the two hind pairs which are armed with strong claws well adapted for clinging to hairs. This species is not known to carry disease, but sets up irritation and fever by its feeding activities. It lives on hairy portions of the body, partic- ularly about the pubic region and armpits, and its presence may be detected by the irritation set up and by the appearance of small irregular bluish spots on infested parts of the body. The crab louse adheres closely to the surface of the skin of its host where it embeds its mouth-parts, often remaining feeding in one place for several days. Control. — To control body lice and crab lice the infested person should completely disrobe and place the clothing in a receptacle for subsequent treat- ment. The body, particularly the hairy parts, should be thoroughly treated with a 2 per cent lysol solution, pure kerosene, or kerosene emulsion prepared by thoroughly mixing together equal parts of kerosene and soft soap or olive oil. The latter is non-irritant and is, therefore, preferable. A material used in the British Army, known as naphthalene ointment, which is said to be very effective, is prepared by mixing four parts of naphthalene and one part of soft soap. In the case of crab lice, mercurial ointment is frequently recommended, but the use of this material is deprecated owing to its poisonous properties. Treatment with one of the above materials should be followed by the liberal use of soap in a hot bath. Shaving off the hair from hairy parts of the body renders the above treatment more efficacious and lessens the likelihood of re- infestation. Head lice and their eggs may be destroyed by treating the hair with the above-mentioned kerosene emulsion, enclosing the head in a towel for an hour and following this by a thorough shampoo. Repeating the treatment in a week's time will destroy any lice that may have survived the first treatment. Where there is likelihood of infestation children's hair should be kept short, and the frequent use of a fine tooth comb is recommended. Rubbing the hair with vinegar before using the comb will loosen any nits which may be present. The head covering worn by infested persons should also be treated. Lice and their eggs on clothing may be destroyed by placing the clothing loosely in an oven and subjecting it to a temperature of 130° F., or higher, if this can be done without damage to the clothing, for a period of at least one-half •7.163-4 Fig. 6 — The head louse, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration) . 22 Fig. 7 — Common yellow jacket, Vespa sp.. enlarged and natural size (original) hour. Under-garments may be boiled when there is no danger of shrinking, but woollens should be soaked in a 2 per cent lysol solution followed by a thorough washing in soapy water. The use of a hot iron on outer clothing, particularly along the seams, is also effective. WASPS Wasps often occur in and about dwellings and when numerous may become a nuisance on account of their habit of stinging when annoyed. There are many species of social wasps part- icularly of Ihe genus Vespa, which are known popularly as yellow jackets and hornets (figs. 7 and 8), and which build their nests of paper ' *. >m m0 ' ! J fl V\\ \ A- ^ FH- * ^W/ Fid. 8 — Common white-faced hornet, Vetpa up., enlarged and natural size (original). 23 (figs. 9 and 10) either underground, or about verandahs, eaves, or even suspended from ceilings or rafters. The black and yellow or steel blue, thread- waist ed, solitary. mud- dauhers or digger wasps also commonly occur aboul dwellings. Wasps are usually considered beneficial insects as they feed upon flies and other noxious in- sects and rarely attack humans without provoca- tion. The ovipositor or egg-laying tube forms the sting and is possessed only by worker- and queens. Normally the sting is used for killing or paralyzing the prey on which the wasps and their larvae feed. Wasps are also fond of sweet substances and are attracted to the juices of fruits, pre- serves, etc. ( Dntrol. — The use of screens on doors and windows and the stopping up of any holes through which the wasps may gain access will prevent the entrance of these insects into dwellings. When wasps are annoyingly abundant the nests Fig. i) — Nest of ('(minion yellow jacket, Veepa sp., naiur.il sue (original). Fig. 10 — Nest of common white-faced hornet, Vespa sp.. one-third natural size (original). 27363—41 24 should bo discovered and the inmates destroyed after dusk when all have entered for the night. In the case of nests in the ground this may lie done by pouring two or three fluid ounces of carbon bisulphide into the opening of the nest and covering it with an old coat or sacking to retain the fumes. Small nests suspended from rafters, verandah roofs, etc., may be treated by covering them for a short period with a large jar containing a small quantity of chloroform, afterwards removing the nests and burning them. With larger nests, attached to such places as the limbs of trees where this method is not practicable, the entrance to the nest may be stopped up after dark, and the whole, after being thoroughly soaked in kerosene, removed and burned. The keroseno-pyrethrum spray described on page 8 will destroy any wasps that gain entrance to dwellings. 3. Insects Affecting Foodstuffs In this section are considered those insects which attack materials used for food and either render them unfit for human consumption by pollution, or adversely affect them in quality and quantity. Such diverse forms as cock- roaches, ants, beetles, and moths are included in this category. The combined attacks of these insects on foodstuffs are responsible for immense losses to Canada annually. Flies such as the house fly, blow flies, fruit flies and the cheese skipper fly. which also affect foodstuffs, are dealt with in a previous section under the heading "Two-winged Flies." COCKROACHES Cockroaches are frequently abundant in apartment houses, hotels, dwelling houses, stores and, in short, in any buildings where there are warm moist con- ditions and a plentiful supply of food. These insects have flattened, horny bodies and large spiny legs which enable them to move quickly and take refuge in cracks and other small crevices in walls, floors, etc. In such places they usually remain hidden during the day and emerge at night to prowl about in search of food. Cockroaches are practically omnivorous and are particularly fond of foodstuffs favoured by man. On this account they are usually most numerous about kitchens and pantries and other situations where food is readily accessible. The eggs of cockroaches are developed within a small horny capsule or packet which is deposited by the female usually in a warm moist place. Female cockroaches may be seen frequently with the egg capsule protruding from the end of the abdomen and these capsules are often dropped when the insect is threatened with danger. The young or nymphs which hatch from the eggs are similar in general appearance to the adult cockroaches, but are smaller and lack wings. In growing they shed their skins several times. Cockroach infestations often may be detected by the presence of cast skins and empty egg capsules on shelves and in cupboards, even when the living roaches have escaped notice. Cockroaches also emit a peculiar odour which is sometimes imparted to the food over which they have walked and even to crockery and other utensils, thus revealing their presence. The most prevalent species in Canada is the German cockroach, Blatetta germanica L. (fig. 11). This cockroach is a small species measuring about five- eighths of an inch long when mature. It is light-brown in colour and bears two distinct dark-brown longitudinal stripes on the thorax. It is troublesome all the year round in heated buildings and is the species about, which complaints are most frequently made. Another species, much less common than the fore- going, is the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana L. This insect is the largest domestic roach found in Canada. It measures about one and one-half inches in length, is light-brown in colour and possesses strong well developed wings Jh both sexes. The oriental cockroach, Blatta orientcdis L., occasionally becomes established in Canadian dwellings probably through the agency of 25 imported goods. This species is dark-brown to black in colour, and measures about one inch in length when mature. The female is practically wingless and the male has abbreviated wings. A fourth species sometimes found on imported bananas is the Australian roach, Periplaneta australasiae Fab. This species, in general appearance, resembles the American roach, but is smaller, measuring about one and one-quarter inches in length when full-grown. It is also dis- tinguished by the presence of a narrow yellow stripe on the sides of the upper wings. Fig. ll^The German cockroach, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). Control. — Cockroaches may be readily controlled by means of sodium fluoride. This material should be lightly dusted in places frequented by the roaches such as about sinks, baseboards, cupboards, hot water pipes, etc. The sodium fluoride adheres to the legs and antennae of the roaches, and in cleaning themselves the bisects arc poisoned by it. Sodium fluoride retains its effective- ness and may be left undisturbed as long as convenient or until the cockroaches have completely disappeared. As this chemical is somewhat poisonous reason- able precautions should be taken to prevent children or domestic pets from gaining access to it. Two other materials which form the basis of many proprietary roach powders and which often are recommended, are pyrethrum and borax Pyreth- rum insect powder is less effective than sodium fluoride, it loses its effectiveness quickly on exposure to air, and has to be used in larger quantity. Borax, also is less satisfactory than sodium fluoride. It is easily obtainable, however and mixed with equal parts of powdered sweet chocolate, is a fairly effective remedy. 26 Superheating (see p. 9) and fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas (see p. 4) are also effective in destroying cockroaches. In the case of hydrocyanic acid gas fumigation however, our experiments indicate that a concentration of gas produced by using U lbs. of calcium cyanide per 1,000 cubic feet, although effective against nymphs and adults, does not destroy the eggs. ANTS \lt hough the majority of our Canadian species of ants live in colonies or nests outdoors they frequently cause annoyance by invading kitchens and pantries in search of food. One of the most common and troublesome household species known as the red ant or Pharaoh's ant, Monomorium pharaonis L., confines itself entirely to heated buildings such as bakeries, restaurants, houses, etc. This tiny, reddish-yellow ant (fig. 12), had its origin in the tropics. In figure 13 is pictured the common large black carpenter ant, C o»j ponot us pennsylvanicus DeG. This insect, although normally an outdoor species nesting principally ill decaying wood, fre- quently occurs in dwellings, particularly frame ' houses and summer cottages, and may cause injury to woodwork as well as annoyance by its presence. A third common species is the small yellowish-brown lawn ant, Lnsiu.s niger var. americanus Em., which nests in lawn's and gardens often entering houses in search of food. Ants are social in their habits, and KiB. 12-Pharaoh's ant. enlarged and natural live together ill colonies. The majority size (authors' illustration). f the ants in a colony and the ones most commonly seen, are wingless undevel- oped female workers, which are incapable of reproducing their kind. Each colony also possesses one or more true females or "queens" which are responsible for the generation of new individuals. The white, helpless, larvae and. pupae which develop from eggs laid by the "queen" are cared for by the workers which may be seen transporting them to a place of safety when the nest is threatened with danger. Ants which enter dwellings will feed on many kinds of foodstuffs, but are particularly fond of sweet and fatty substances. Control!.— The most satisfactory material so far discovered for destroying ants is sodium fluoride, sold by druggists in the form of a fine white powder. This powder should be scattered lightly in places frequented by the ants and left undisturbed until the insects have disappeared. As sodium fluoride is somewhat poisonous care should be taken to prevent children or pets from gain- ing access to it. _ As an alternative to the above, baits may be used. They may consist either of meat bones, or sponges dipped in sweetened water. When large num- bers of ants have collected on the baits they may be destroyed by immersion in very hot water. A bait trap which has been used with success may he made by taking a small tin can with a tight lid, punching several holes in the sides and top and introducing a small piece of sponge moistened with a syrup prepared by mixing 10 grains of sodium arsenite, 6 ounces of sugar and 1 pint of hot water. In using this bait due cognizance should be taken of the poisonous nature of sodiun^arsenite. . Ants may be discouraged from entering houses by keeping shelves, tables and floors, in" kitchens and pantries, as free as possible from crumbs and other food fragments, and by storing foodstuffs in ant-proof containers. In addition 27 openings in floors and walls through which ants may gain entrance should be carefully plugged. When it is possible to find the nest in the ground outside, the whole ant colony may be destroyed by puncturing its surface with holes and pouring in several tablespoonfuls of carbon bisulphide. Heavy gas is given off by this liquid and its effect may be enhanced by covering the nest with an old coat or sacking. Care should be taken not to expose carbon bisulphide near fire as it is verv inflammable. Fig. 13— The black carpenter ant. enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). Considerable success in destroying ants in their nests by the use of calcium cyanide dust is reported by Mr. Norman Criddle, of the Dominion Entomo- logical Laboratory, Treesbank, Manitoba. The dust is introduced into the nests by either pouring it into the entrance holes or into holes punctured with a stick For small nests it is necessary to use only a pinch of the dust, and for larger nests, one or two teaspoonfulls. Calcium cyanide is extremely poisonous and should be handled with great care (see p. 4). THE LARDER BEETLE, Dermestea lardanua L. A common household pest in all parts of Canada is the insect known as the larder beetle. It is especially fond of animal food products such as ham, bacon and other kinds of meat, as well as cheese. Among other materials damaged are skins of various kinds and feathers. On more than one occasion, at Ottawa, large numbers of these beetles have been observed feeding on fresh and decaying 28 meat. One house investigated was thoroughly overrun with half to full-grown grubs. The latter swarmed along baseboards, floor cracks, under carpets, behind furniture, in inverted lamp globes, in fact everywhere from basement to attic. This beetle is from about one-quarter to three-eighths of an inch in length, shaped as shown in figure 14. In colour, it is blackish, with a transverse, wide, pale yellow band as in- dicated in the illustration. The Fig. IS — Larva of the larder beetle, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). Pig. 14 — The larder beetle, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). grub of this beetle, shown en- larged and natural size in figure 15, is brown in colour, con- spicuously hairy, and bears two rather stout spines on its back near the etui of the body. Occasionally other species of dermeslid beetles and their grubs occur in dwellings. At Ottawa we have reared the hide or leather beetle, Dermestes vulpinus L., from decaying meat. This species feeds on meat and other food materials of high proteip content, but is not generally considered of much importance as a pest. In 1930, however, in Montreal, the grubs were found doing material damage by boring into the interior timbers of an abbatoir to pupate. Early in 1930, larvae of the species Trogoderma versicolor Creutz., were received from" the home of a correspondent in Xapanee. Ont. These grubs fed upon bread, cereals and woollen cloth. The species has one generation a year, the adults emerging (at Ottawa) in March. It is recorded as a pest of stored cereals in Asia Minor and India. Control— Portions of food found to be infested by the larder beetle or other species of dermestids, should be removed and destroyed and the pantry or storeroom thoroughly cleaned before materials are replaced. Every adult beetle 29 observed should be killed. The pyreth rum-kerosene spray, described on page 8, has been found of value in destroying the grubs, the places frequented being liberally sprayed with the mixture. Openings to pantries or storerooms liable to infestation, should be screened to prevent the adult beetles entering. When houses become seriously infested, a sure remedy is to fumigate with hydrocyanic acid gas (see p. 4). THE EUROPEAN EARWIG, Forficula auricukiriu L. This important pest, which occurs in large numbers in northwestern portions of the United States, was first found in British Columbia in 1916, and since then has increased to an alarming extent, particularly in the cities of Vancouver, New Westminster and Victoria, necessitating in all these, municipal action. Young earwigs are white in colour, -_.„ but soon become of a grayish or olive shade. The mature earwig (fig. 16) is about five-eighths of an inch in length, of a dark reddish-brown l

^ ^ colour, the legs, the feelers and the \[ ( small wing-covers being yellowish- \^|fl brown. At the end of the body are a pair of so-called pincers or forceps. Not only do the earwigs feed on garden plants of many kinds, but they enter houses and are found in bread and cake boxes, hiding in head lettuce, crawling around in bedrooms and other parts of the house — all to the disgust of the occupants. In Oregon, the insect has established itself in certain residential sections to such an extent as to seriouslv affect the value of property. Fi e- 16-The European earwig, enlarged (our r r J times (after Gibson) . Control— As stated in Dominion Department of Agriculture Circular No. 24, the following poisoned bran mixture is recommended for the destruction of this pest: Sodium fluoride 12 ounces Molasses 2 quarts Wheat bran 12 pounds Water 6 quarts Dissolve the sodium fluoride and molasses in the water, the latter after the first, and then wet the bran with the poisoned mixture, stirring the while. If more liquid is required add more water, but not enough to make a sloppy mash. In recent years a formula modified from the above has been developed by Mr. W. Downes, of the Dominion Entomological Laboratory, Victoria, B.C., as a result of experimental work, and is now used exclusively in earwig control in the city of Victoria. The modified formula is as follows: Sodium fluoride 12 ounces Molasses 1 quart Beef scrap or meat meal 2\ pounds Bran 12 pounds Water ; 6 quarts The beef scrap is soaked in water for three hours or longer, before being used, and is then added to the other ingredients mixed according to the directions given previously. 27363-5 30 Either one of these mixtures should be spread in places frequented by the earwigs, during warm evenings in late May, June and July. In gardens, the mixture may be scattered among the plants to be protected, the same as is done with the poisoned bait for cutworms. If this bait is used in or around houses, care should be taken in its use, to see that it is spread thinly, not in lumps, and not left about where children or domestic animals would have access to it. Applications of the mixture should be made at intervals when the insect is noticed to be increasing in numbers. THE INDIAN MEAL MOTH, Plodia interpunclella Htm. Among the true caterpillars found infesting dry food products in the home, the Indian meal moth (fig. 17) is one which effects serious damage. The cater- pillar of this species and that of the Mediterranean flour ninth. Ephestia hueh- niclla Zell., discussed below, are very similar. Both are whitish or flesh coloured with a reddish-brown head, and in length, about half an inch when mature. The Indian meal moth, with wings expanded, measures about five-eighths of an Fig. 18 — Raisins infested with caterpillars of the Indian meal moth (authors' illustration). Fig. 17 — The Indian meal moth, enlarged and natural size (original). inch. The outer two-thirds of the front wings are of a coppery-brown colour, the other third near the body being cream-coloured. The hind wings are grayish, paler towards the base. The caterpillars, hatching from the small white eaus laid by the female moths, feed on a variety of substances, such as nuts, raisins, currants, oatmeal, dried fruit, etc. (fijr. 18). Materials bought in the trade are not infrequently found to be infested, and in this way the pest is very often introduced into the home. Control. — Mr. C. H. Curran, lately in charge of our stored product insect investigations, writing recently rcgardino- the control of this and similar pests Writing of distinguishing characters, Riley (Insect Fife, II, 171) says: "The larvae of kuchniclla are more slender and of a more uniform diameter than those of the other species. The abdominal legs are long- er, cylindrical, with a circular fringe of hooklets at the crown. In interpunclella, the legs are short, conical, with the fringe of hooklets at the crown oval. All piliferous warts in kuchniella, most of which are rather minute, are still rather prominent, readily observed, and of a black or brown colour. Those most con- spicuous are the lateral ones, in front of the first spiracle; the suh-dorsal one, each side of the meso-thorax, almost completely encircled by a narrow, black ring interrupted only at its upper margin. In inter punctella all the warts, while present, are concolorous with the rest of the body, and can be distinguished only with great difficulty. The surface of the body of kuehniclla is almost perfectly smooth, while that of inter- punctella is somewhat granulate."' 31 says: *"In the household where only small quantities are to be treated the simplest control is, in winter, to place the infested foodstuffs in a mouse or rat- proof receptacle and expose them in a shed or even in the open. The pests will be frozen and killed. Where the temperature goes below zero, a single night should prove sufficient to kill any insects. It is, however, recommended that the foodstuffs be left in such a place for two or three days, especially if the temperature does not go below 20° F. While the receptacles are free of their contents, they should be thoroughly cleaned and also placed outside in order to destroy any eggs which might be adhering to them. During the summer, when pests are more liable to be in evidence the most satisfactory procedure is to place the foodstuffs in the oven for an hour or two at a temperature of 130° to 140° F. With small quantities of material the eg<>-s and larvae will be quickly killed at this temperature. Flour so treated will be quite free from insects after sifting and none the worse for the infestation or heating. The treatment of nuts and fruits is necessarily different from that of grains and their products. In order to prevent the development of pests, the fruit or nuts should be placed in cold storage. The usual cold storage temperatures are sufficiently low to prevent the development of the insects or fungus occur- ring in products from warm climates and a few weeks are sufficient to destroy the insect life. Small shipments of grain may be similarly treated." THE MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR MOTH, Ephestia kuehniella Zcll. This well-known pest of flour mills (fig. 19) is not infrequently found in houses, particularly in flour. Containers which are kept in constant use, do not as a rule harbour infestations. In addition to flour, bran and other cereals are Kg. 19— The Mediterranean flour moth, adult.< and larvae in barley and flour, somewhat enlarged (original). attacked. The caterpillar, when mature, is from about half an inch to three- quarters of an inch in length. The descriptions given in the footnote on page 30 should distinguish it from that of the Indian meal moth. The moth (fig. 20), too, is quite distinct, being larger, about half an inch in length, with all wings of a grayish colour, the front ones darker than the hind ones. The caterpillars have the habit of spinning silken threads and tunnels amongst flour and other manufactured cereal in which they are feeding. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). In addition to Ephestia kuehniella Zell., there are three other species of the same genus, the caterpillars of which may occasionally be found causing limited injury in the household. These arc: •Scientific Agriculture, VI, II, 1926. This article includes figures of the genitalia of well-known leDid- opterous insects attacking stored products. 27363—51 32 Ephestia eluteQa Hbn. We .have records of the caterpillar of this species, which is widespread in occurrence, feeding on nuts, linseed and flax seed meal. It is also known to feed on biscuit, chocolate, figs, etc. In general, the caterpillar and also the moth are similar in appearance to the Mediterranean flour moth, but arc smaller. Fig. 20— The Mediterranean flour moth, enlarged ami natural size (original). Ephestia cauklla Walk. This also is not, as yet, a pest of any importance. It is known, in Canada, to have attacked nuts, such as almonds and walnuts, and in the United States. is recorded as feeding particularly on figs. This caterpillar is. in general, similar to that of the Mediterranean flour moth, and the moth is also like that of the latter species, but smaller. Ephestia figulilella Gregson. The records we have of this species in Canada are few in number and relate only to the caterpillars feeding on imported figs. In addition, however, the insect is known to feed on oatmeal and dried fruits and undoubtedly attacks other foods. The caterpillar and moth are, in general, very much like those of the preceding species. Control. — Should these additional species develop into pests of importance, the remedies recommended for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30) would be applicable. » THE YELLOW MEAL WORM, Tenebrio molitor L. This species is common and widespread in distribution. Owing to their size, both the beetle and the grub are easily seen by the housekeeper and as a 33 rule are quickly destroyed. The insect breeds readily in meal and flour, and if these foods are left exposed and undisturbed for a time, it is surprising how easily an infestation may develop. The beetle is attracted to lights at night and gains access to the home through open windows or doors. The grub (fig. 21) somewhat resembles the common wireworm, being hard, yellowish in colour, shining, with reddish-brown transverse bands near where • ■ <$■ / »* *» "^* \>. . Fig. 22 — Adult of yellow meal worm, enlarged and natural size (original). Fig. 21 — Yellow meal worm, adult and larvae in flour (original). the segments join. Mature speci- mens measure one and one-eighth inches in length. The beetle (fig. 22) which lays its small white eggs in meal or other food, is from one-half an inch to over five-eighths of an inch in length. It is almost black in colour, some specimens being of a reddish-brown shade. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE DARK MEAL WORM, Trnebrio obscurus Fab. To the housekeeper, this insect, both in the beetle and grub stages, will look the same as the preceding species, the yellow meal worm. The entomologist can easily find characters which will separate the species, but these need not be related here. The dark meal worm is not, so far as we know, a household pest m Canada. In the United States, Herrick records it as feeding on meal, flour, bread, cake and cereals. Control.— Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE GRANARY WEEVIL, Calendra granaria L. While this insect is not primarily a household pest, it is not uncommon in Storehouses ami other places where grain is kept. The beetle (fig. 23) is from one-eighth to one-sixth of an inch in length, of a dark;- shiny, mahogany-brown colour, with the head prolonged into a slender snout. Some specimens are almost wholly black. Having no wings beneath the hard wing-cases, it is unable to fly. In wheat and other small cereals, a single grub inhabits a grain, but a 34 kernel of corn furnishes food for several individuals. The mature beetles also feed upon the grain, and live for a long time, so that in warm places where grain is kept in store for a length of time, the injury may be considerable. Control. — After repeated experiments, it lias m been found that the use of carbon bisulphide will kill all the insects without any injury to ^S-ft A I ^> the grain as to its wholesomeness for food, or t\^^Lj t as to its germinating quality for seed. Carbon \^M bisulphide is a colourless liquid with a very ^B^^Lr objectionable odour, which vaporizes quickly at ordinary temperatures. A convenient method for treating small quantities of infested grain, fin m is to use an ordinary coal-oil barrel, which will jJm\\ \\vL ' hold about five bushels of grain and fumigate //I BV X vri&i car ' :,on bisulphide in the strength of 1 ounce F H ■ 1 to every 100 lbs. of seed. The bisulphide may m j be poured on the grain or placed in a shallow / (¥) receptacle, but care must be taken to close up CM.* the top of the barrel tightly. This is best done with a cap made specially for the purpose, but also may be done wita fine sacks laid smoothly on the top over which boards are laid with a considerable weight on them to hold the cover- ing down closely. The fumigation should last for 48 hours, and as the vapour is very in- flammable no light of any kind should be brought near the barrel; even smoking should not be indulged in nearby. Fig. 23 — The granary weevil, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). THE RICE WEEVIL, Calendra oryzae L. This insect differs somewhat in size and general appearance from the granary weevil. Unlike that species, it possesses fully developed wings, has two yellowish blotches on each wing-case, is slightly smaller and of a pale brown colour (fig. 24). It is often found injuring stored grain in company with the granary weevil. The rice weevil, however, also attacks rice, biscuits, meal, flour, and other products (fig. 25). Control. — Infested gram may be treated as recommended under the granary weevil. For small lots of house- hold materials, the measures discussed under the Indian meal moth may be followed (see p. 30). Fig. 24 — The riee weevil, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration.) 35 Fig. 25 — Corn seeds injured by the rice weevil (authors' illustration.) THE SAW-TOOTHED GRAIN BEETLE, Sih'anus surinamensis L. This insect, although called a grain beetle, is a common household pest, feeding both in the larval and adult stages on a variety of foodstuffs, including meal, flour, manufactured cereals, bread, cake, dried fruits, nuts, sugar, starch, etc. The beetle is shown in figure 26, enlarged and natural size. It is of a red- dish-brown colour. The common name for the insect was given on account of the saw-like appearance of each side of the thorax. The grub of this beetle is pale in colour, the upper surface or back bearing a series of darkened areas, one on each segment; near the head these dark areas may be divided by a pale Fig. 26 — The saw-toothed grain Control-Same as for the Indian meal moth (see XtSSFfltawK? p. 30). THE MEAL MOTH, PyraUe farinalis L. Some years this insect causes damage to stored grain and foodstuffs manu- factured therefrom, particularly if damaged by moisture. The caterpillar is white in colour with a brown head, and when full-grown is about half an inch in length. It spins considerable silk, fastening the food therewith in the form of tunnels in which it lives. These tunnels are readily apparent. The moth, with its wings spread, is from about three-quarters of an inch to one and one-eighth inches in width. The basal and outer areas of the front wings are of a brown or reddish-brown shade, the central area being paler brown or yellowish-brown. The hind wings are pale brown or yellowish-brown. Cross- ing all wings are two irregular white lines. This insect, as yet, cannot be regarded as a serious pest in Canada. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE EUROPEAN GRAIN MOTH, Tinea granella L. This insect is not a pest of importance in Canada. We have only a few records of it occurring as a household pest. It is known to attack the same kinds of materials fed upon by the Indian meal moth. Our records relate to its presence particularly in flour. The caterpillar is pale coloured, small, measuring about one-quarter of an inch long. The moth, with the wings spread, is about half an inch wide. The front wings are white with distinct dark brown areas and blackish spots, the hind wings paler brown without markings. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). 36 THE ANGOUMOIS GRAIN MOTH, Sitotroga cereahlla 01. This moth is of a grayish-brown or straw colour, with a wing expanse of about half an inch. Its white caterpillar is occasionally found in shipments of corn seed imported from foreign countries. We have no record of it having developed into a household pest in Canada, nor is it likely to do so. It is especi- ally destructive in southern sections of the United States. THE WHITE-MARKED SPIDER BEETLE, Ptiuus fur L. Such foods as flour, corn meal, bran, etc., are attacked by this insect. The beetle is spider-like in form, reddish-brown in colour with four irregular white patches, two on each wing cover. In some specimens, these white patches are more distinct than in others and almost form a continuous band across the insect. In size, this beetle varies from a little less to a little more than one- eighth of an inch in length. Its grub is small, and white in colour. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE BROWN SPIDER BEETLE, Piimu brwmeus Duft. This species is not so common in Canada as the white-marked spider beetle. It differs chiefly from the latter species in the absence of the white patches on the wing covers. Wc have no records of this insect occurring as a household pest in Canada, but in the United States it is claimed to have habits similar to those of the foregoing species. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE HAIRY SPIDER BEETLE, Ptinus viUiger lleit. Since 1924, this species (fig. 27) has come into prominence as a pest of flour, farina, corn meal and other household commodities, in the Prairie Provinces. It is similar in general appearance, size and colour to the white- marked spider beetle. Our records show that it occurs in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, but so far, it has attracted notice chiefly in Manitoba. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE GOLDEN SPIDER BEETLE, NiptUS hololinriix Falil. Occasionally in Eastern Canada, a species of beetle known as the golden spider beetle, has been found in houses, sometimes in considerable numbers. Apparently, the insect has caused little damage, as yet, in Canada, but in Europe it is said to be a general feeder, attacking household provisions and spices, and is even known to feed upon woollens and artificial silk. The beetle is about one-eighth to one-sixth of an inch in length, of a satiny gold colour and similar in shape to the hairy spider beetle shown in figure 27. Control. — Should this insect become prevalent and injurious in Canada and infest foodstuffs, we would suggest treating these as recommended for the Fig. 27 — The hairy spider beetle, enlarged and natural size (original). 37 Indian meal moth (see p. 30). If the beetle is noticed in numbers, and appar- ently causing no injury, we would suggest dusting fresh pyrethrum insect powder or sodium fluoride in places where it is abundant. Another species of spider beetle known as Trigonogenius globulum Sol., has been found in cayenne pepper. During 1927, Mr. W. Dowries, in charge of the Dominion Entomological Laboratory, Victoria, B.C., sent to Ottawa specimens of the beetle, with the statement that they had been found in Van- couver in dried hellebore. This beetle is similar in shape and size to the golden spider beetle, but in colour is pale brown, blotched with black. THE CADELLE, Tcnebroides mauritanicus L. This well-known beetle can hardly be regarded as a household pest. We have, on occasion, found it in mills and warehouses, being present in flour and where grain was stored. In the United States the insect finds its way into the household in cereals and other food products, but we have no such records from Canada. The grub is whitish in colour with a reddish-brown head ; patches of the same colour are also present behind the head, as well as at the end of the body. In length, the grub, when mature, is about three-quarters of an inch. The beetle is rather less than three-eighths of an inch in length. It has a some- what flattened appearance and, in colour, is dark brown and shining. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE CONFUSED FLOUR BEETLE, Tribolium confusum Duv. This small beetle (fig. 28), reddish-brown in colour and one-eighth of an inch long, is common in flour mills and also in other places where manufactured cereals are stored. On one occasion we found this insect feeding readily on dog biscuit. In addition, it is known to feed on meal, nuts, corn, beans and other seeds. As the insect breeds readily in warm rooms, infestations may be found during the winter months in places where flour or meal is left exposed. The eggs are laid in or on the food and the young, pale yellowish grubs, on hatching, begin to feed at once. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see Fi( , 28— The confused flour p. 30). beetle, enlarged and natural size (original;. THE RUST-RED FLOUR BEETLE, Tribolium ferrugineum Fab. There is little difference in appearance between this species and the pre- ceding species. In size, colour and habits, both insects are similar. Fortunately, the rust-red flour beetle is apparently not common in Canada. As a household pest it is practically of no importance. Control. — Should it ever develop in any part of Canada as a pest of import- ance, the control measures referred to under the Indian meal moth should bo resorted to (see p. 30). 27363—6 38 THE BEAN WEEVIL, Mylabria obtectus Say. Dried beans bought in the trade are sometimes found to be infested with the bean weevil, a small hard-shelled, gray-brown beetle (fig. 29), one-tenth of an inch long, oval in form, with the head prolonged into a squarely-cut snout or beak. The insect breeds readily under warm conditions, and will continue to be active while the supply of dry seeds lasts. The beetle is capable of eating •lMw- Fig. 29 — The bean weevil, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration.) Fig. 30 — Beans showing injury by the bean weevil (original). its way through cotton or paper bags in which beans are stored and when this happens, the pantry or other storehouse may become overrun with the insects. The grub is white with a yellowish head. Several specimens of the insect may be found within a single bean. Control. — Same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). Infested beans, of course, should not be used for seed purposes. THE BROAD-BEAN WEEVIL, Mylabris ruftmanus Boh. We have occasionally received lima and broad beans which were infested with this weevil. These infestations, our records indicate, relate to imported seed. The insect has never become established in Canada, but in the United States it is recorded as occurring in California. This species is larger than the bean weevil, darker in colour, but otherwise much the same in appearance. Control. — Consignments of beans, found to be infested, should be treated, as recommended under the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). Two other species, namely, the four-spotted bean weevil, Mylabris quad- Hmaculatus Fab., and the cowpea weevil, Mylabris chinensis L., are also infre- quently found in imported beans, but neither is a pest in Canada. Both species are slightly smaller than the bean weevil. THE DRUG STORE BEETLE, Sitodrepa panicea L. As njentioned on page 51, the drug store beetle commonly attacks food- stuffs. Flour, meal, bread, chocolate, pepper, ginger, rubbed parsley for season- ing, etc., are readily eaten. The statement has been made that it will "eat 39 anything except cast iron." Chittenden in writing of this species says that "a whole chapter could be devoted to the food material of this insect, as nothing seems to come amiss to it and its voracious larva." Control. — When foodstuffs are found to be infested by this insect, we would recommend the control measures advocated for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE CIGARETTE BEETLE, Lasioderma serricome Fab. Although tobacco is a favourite food of this insect (see p. 50), various other products are also attacked. Of household supplies, according to Chittenden, it has been found infesting cayenne pepper, ginger, rhubarb, rice, figs, yeast cakes and prepared fish food. Control. — The same as for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE BLACK CARPET BEETLE, Altngenus piceus 01. This well-known pest of carpets, furs, etc., which is discussed on page 44, also breeds in flour and other manufactured cereals and attacks various kinds of seeds, such as pumpkin and timothy. Control.— Foodstuffs infested with the grubs of the black carpet beetle, may be treated in the same manner as recommended for the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). THE VARIED CARPET BEETLE, Anthrenus verbasci L. This species, discussed as a pest of woollens and silk goods (see p. 46), has been reported in Europe and the United States as feeding on various cereals and cereal products. At Ottawa, larvae of this species have been found to feed readily on a mixture of finely ground wheat, oats, barley, corn, soya bean and pea meal. Control. — Infested foodstuffs may be rid of this insect by using the measures recommended under the Indian meal moth (see p. 30). See also: house fly (p. 10); lesser house fly (p. 13); latrine fly (p. 13); blow flies (p. 14); fruit flies (p. 15); cheese skipper (p. 15); silverfish (p. 49), and the chapter on Insects Likely to be Brought Into the Home on Fruits and Vege- tables (p. 57). INSECTS AFFECTING CLOTHING, CARPETS, UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE, ETC. CLOTHES MOTHS Clothes moths annually cause much damage in Canada to materials of animal origin, such as woollens, furs, hair, feathers, etc., and their ravages to articles of clothing, upholstered furniture, piano felts, carpets, etc., are familiar to everyone. Damage by clothes moths is caused by the feeding activities of the larvae or caterpillars of these insects, not by the winged mollis whose principal function in life is to mate and deposit the eggs from which the larvae develop. Two species occur in Canada, the webbing clothes moth, Tineola bisselliella Hum., which is the more common and destructive, and the case-making clothes moth, Tinea pellionella L. The adults of both species are small moths having a wing spread of one-half inch or less. They are similar in general appearance 27368— 6J 40 and habits, but differ slightly in colour, the webbing species (fig. 31) being entirely pale buff or straw colour and the case-making species grayish-yellow or dark buff with fairly distinct dark spots on the forewings. Both species avoid bright light and are most commonly seen in dwellings at night, flying in dimly-lit corners. They occur in greatest numbers in spring and summer, Fig. 31 — The nebbing clothes moth, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). but occasional specimens may be seen in heated dwellings at any time of the year. The winged moths do not feed, but during their brief life, which varies in length from a few days to a month, they deposit tiny, oval, pearly-white eggs (fig. 32), sometimes as many as 150, among the hairs_or meshes of the material on which the larvae later feed. The eggs hatch in from a week to ten days and the young larvae, which are very sensitive to light, seek out protected situations in the folds of fur and woollen garments, or in the interior of upholstered furniture, and commence feeding immediately. Clothes moth larvae have pearly-white bodies and pale brown heads. When mature they measure about one-half of an inch in length. The life of the larvae varies from a few weeks to as long as nearly two years, and they may be found in all stages of development throughout the year. As they feed and grow, they moult or shed their skins several times. The larvae of the two species differ markedly in their habits and thus may be readily distinguished. The larvae of the webbing clothes moth (fig. 32) "move about freely aad spin silken threads promiscuously on infested fabrics, often forming unsightly webs. They construct flimsy tube-like silken shelters into which they retire frequently and where they shed their skins, and finally pupate 41 before the emergence of the winged moths. Larvae of the case-making species construct small cylindrical cases of tightlv woven silk and fragments of the material on which they feed (fig. 33). Throughout their life they live within Fig. 32— Webbing clothes moth: eggs (much enlarged), in upper circle; moths, in lower circle; caterpillars and larval shelters on cloth— all somewhat enlarged (authors' illustration). the case, and in feeding, protrude the forepart of the body and drag the case about with them. Eventually they pupate within the cases and shortly after- wards the winged moths appear. Fig. 33— Larval cases and work, on woollen glove, of the case-making clothes moth; somewhat enlarged (authors' illustration). 42 Control. — The prevention of damage by clothes moths requires the exercise of care, forethought, and vigilance. Articles of clothing and other materials subject to attack, should not be left undisturbed for long periods, particularly during the summer months, in such places as cupboards, attics, trunks, etc., unless adequate precautions have I teen taken to protect them from moth injury. Such articles, after being thoroughly brushed and beaten, preferably in strong sunlight, should be placed in well-made trunks or chests with tightly fitting lids, or enclosed in cotton or paper bags, or in cardboard boxes sealed with paper strips. Wrapping clothing in two thicknesses of strong wrapping paper, taking care to see that the edges are turned so that no moths may gain entrance is also recommended as an alternative measure. One pound of fresh naphthalene flakes or a similar quantity of paradichlorobenzene scattered among the gar- ments in an ordinary sized trunk assures perfect protection from moth injury. When using cotton or paper moth-bags one-half pound of either of the above chemicals may be enclosed in each bag as an additional precaution. Fig. 34 — Mohair covering of chair injured by webbing clothes moth (authors' illustration). Clothing that is not protected in the above manner should be examined and carefully brushed at frequent intervals during the warm months of the year, or, if valuable, should be placed in cold storage. Articles of clothing already infested with moths may be freed of the insects by placing them in a tight trunk and fumigating with carbon bisulphide preferably at a temperature of not less than 70° F. This is done by placing a saucer on top of the clothing, pouring into it about three fluid ounces of carbon bisulphide, closing the lid tightly and allowing it to remain closed for at least 48 hours. Carbon bisulphide is highly inflammable and therefore no light should be brought near the trunk while the fumigation is in progress. This fumigant may be substituted by either carbon tetrachloride or ethylene dichloride-carbon tetrachloride (see pp. 5 & 6). ^ henever clothes moths are seen flying in the house it is important to take prompt jneasures to discover and remove the source of the infestation before it has a chance of spreading. Often the moths will be found issuing from neglected trunks or forgotten pieces of clothing in attics, basements, closets, etc. Sometimes the iufeslation will be found in upholstered furniture (fig. 34), 43 and occasionally in collections of lint in floor cracks and behind baseboards. In this connection, Prof. G. J. Spencer, of the University of British Columbia, has kindly drawn our attention to observations he has made in Vancouver revealing the prevalence of woollen lint, infested by clothes moth larvae, in the horizontal portions of cold air shafts connected with hot-air furnaces in houses. He suggests that such cold air shafts be cleaned out periodically, or where infested portions are inaccessible that they be given a liberal dosing with fly spray. The frequent use of a vacuum cleaner on carpets and upholstered furniture and other articles subject to moth injury has a definite control value. When carpets or rugs are suspected of being infested they should be thoroughly cleaned on both sides with the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner also may be used for removing the lint from floor cracks and behind baseboards. Moth damage to piano felting may be guarded against by placing about one pound of napthalene flakes or paradichlorobenzene in open receptacles or sus- pended cheesecloth bags inside the piano and keeping it closed when not in use. When the house is to be closed for a time, which often happens during the summer months, it is a wise precaution to scatter naphthalene flakes liberally over rugs and carpets, afterwards rolling them tightly and tying them up in stout brown paper. Under such conditions upholstered furniture, unless guar- anteed against moth injury, may also be treated with naphthalene, and well and tightly covered with paper or cotton sheets to lessen the risk of injury. When upholstered furniture becomes infested with moths it is often difficult to eradicate them. There are three good methods, however, which have given excellent results and which may be used under different circumstances. When the outside temperature is below zero the exposure of infested furniture or other articles, on a verandah or other convenient place, for a period of several hours will result in the destruction of all stages of the insects present. When it is not possible to take advantage of low temperatures, heat may be used (see p. 9). This consists of exposing the furniture to a temperature" of 130-140° F. for a period of not less than six hours. The third method consists of fumigating with one of the following fumigants: carbon bisulphide, carbon tetrachloride, ethylene dichloride-carbon tetrachloride (see pp. 5 & 6), or hydrocyanic acid gas (see p. 4). This last method is best carried out in a properly constructed fumigation chamber by an experienced fumigator. Other less satisfactory measures consist of removing the covering of the furniture and destroying alf moths and larvae found, and liberally soaking infested areas with gasoline, observing precautions against fire risk. When entire buildings are badly infested with clothes moths, superheating (see p. 9) or fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas (see p. 4) may be resorted to. In fumigating, not less than 2 lbs. of calcium cyanide per 1,000 cubic feet should be used. In recent years a number of moth-proofing substances have been placed on the market. Certain of these are in use by manufacturers, dyers and dry- cleaners. Experiments conducted with moth-proofing solutions by various investigators have shown that solutions containing sodium fluoride, sodium silico- fluoride, or cinchona alkaloids (quinidine for instance) have definite value when properly applied, i.e., by immersion, or by spraying the materials until saturated. CARPET BEETLES Carpet beetles, as their name implies, are chiefly notorious on account of the injury they frequently do to carpets, but they also attack other materials of animal origin, and are often associated with clothes moths in their ravages to clothing and various household fabrics. There are two common species of carpet beetles in Canada, both immigrants from the Old World. These are the black carpet beetle, Attagenus piceus 01., and the buffalo carpet beetle, Anthrenus 44 scrophulariae L. A third species known as the varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci L., also occurs in Canada. Carpet beetles pass through four life-stages, viz., egg, larva, pupa and adult. The damage done by these insects is caused by the feeding activities of the larvae or grubs. The black carpet beetle is widely distributed throughout the settled areas of the Dominion. The adults of this species (fig. 35) are small, oval, black beetles measuring about throe-sixteenths of an inch in length. The beetles often may be seerj in infested houses during the spring and summer months. Fig. 38— The black carpet beetle, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). Although harmless in themselves, they lay the eggs from which develop the injurious larvae. The larvae (fig. 36) are slender, reddish-brown grubs charac- terized by a tuft of long hairs at the end of the abdomen. When full-grown they reach a length of about three- eighths of an inch. They thrive best in a secluded environment where they are seldom disturbed, and are COinmonlv Fig. 36— Larva of the black carpet beetle, enlarged found in floor cracks, under carpets, and natural (rise (authors' iHurtiation). behind baseboards, in neglected trunks, cupboards, etc. The larvae may be found in dwellings at any time of the year. The species passes the winter in the active larval stage, adults commencing to emerge (at Ottawa) in mid- March. Our observations indicate that there is only one generation a year. 45 The buffalo carpet beetle, also, is a widespread species in Canada. The adult beetle (fig. 37), is about one-eighth of an inch long, broadly oval, and more brightlj' coloured than the black carpet beetle. The ground colour of the beetle is black, but down the middle of the back there extends a red stripe from which three projections merge into irregular bars of white scales. The beetles appear in early spring and summer and are strongly attracted by light, and for this reason are often found on windows. They have a fondness for the blossoms of cer- tain flowering plants and have been taken frequently on flowers, partic- ularly tulips, in gardens. Specimens Fig. 37 — The buffalo carpet beetle, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). / WfW' ^ 1 i w • \w Fig. 38— Larva of the buffalo carpet beetle, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration' 46 kept in confinement at Ottawa in early spring lived for more than a month. They deposit their small pearly-white eggs in the nap or pile of the material on which the larvae later feed. Eggs deposited under observation hatched in eighteen days, but this period probably varies under different conditions of temperature and humidity. The larvae (fig. 38) are small, stout, brown grubs, copiously covered with long black hairs. As is the case with the larvae of the black carpet beetle they live for several months and are active all the year round in heated dwellings, feeding and shedding their skins as they grow. Larvae of the varied carpet beetle were received from a correspondent in Toronto, Ont., in September, 1928, with the complaint that, "They have eaten holes in wool, silk and a thick brown paper bag containing new wool blankets as they came from the factory." We have reared the larvae of this species at Ottawa on dyed and undyed wool, and on a finely ground mixture of wheat, oats and other cereals which they appear to prefer. According to Back* the varied carpet beetle is a European pest well established in certain parts of the United States. The larva (fig. 39) is a small, plump, brownish, hairy grub with a pale brown head, and three pairs of hair tufts at the end of the abdomen. Control. — The practices recommended for the control of clothes moths are also effective in combat- ing carpet beetles. Injury to clothing and other materials in trunks and boxes may be prevented by placing 1 lb. of good grade naphthalene flakes or paradichlorobenzene in each trunk. Where carpet beetle larvae are already present in rugs or clothing they may be destroyed by fumigating the infested articles in a tight trunk with carbon bisulphide or a similar fumigant as described on page 42 under clothes moth control. All cupboards, drawers, attics, etc., where injury is likely to occur should be period- ically and thoroughly cleaned out. As the insects find an ideal hiding place in collections of dust and lint in floor cracks, and similar situations, these should be either filled up with a patent crack filler and varnished over, frequently scrubbed out with soap and hot water, or treated with benzine or gasolene, taking, of course, precautions against fire risk. It is worth noting that houses with well-laid hardwood floors are seldom seriously troubled with carpet beetles. Carpets and rugs should be raised at intervals and cleaned thoroughly on both sides, preferably with a vacuum cleaner, attention also being given to any cracks in the flooring beneath. A vacuum cleaner is also useful in removing collections of dust and lint from behind baseboards and other situations difficult of access, where the insects may breed. In cases of severe infestation recourse may be had to superheating (see p. 9) or fumigating with hydrocyanic acid gas (see p. 4). In fumigating, not less than 2 lbs. of calcium cyanide to each 1,000 cubic feet of space should be used. Fig. 39 — Larva of the varied car- pet beetle, much enlarged (after Back) . CRICKETS Crickets often enter dwellings and cause annoyance by their monotonous chirruping, particularly at night. The song of the cricket is produced by rubbing together the outer pair of wings which bear special structures for this purpose. Only ttie male crickets sing. Crickets are practically omnivorous and some- •U.S. F. B. No. 1346, 1923, p. 6. 47 times do considerable damage by feeding on woollen, silk and cotton clothing and other fabrics. Both the European house cricket, Gryllus domesticus L., and the common black field cricket, Gryllus assimilis Fab., may cause damage of this nature. The European house cricket (fig. 40) originated in the Old World and has been established in Canada for many years (our records date from 1887). It has been repeatedly reported infesting dwellings, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. This species is pale-brown in colour and measures about three-quarters of an inch in length. It is very elusive, often difficult to locate, and is chiefly active at night. It favours warm situations, such as cracks and crevices in walls and brickwork close to fireplaces, chimneys and ovens, and for this reason often becomes troublesome in bakeries, kitchens and basements. During warm Fig. 40— The European house cricket (male), enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). weather it readily lives outdoors and finds a favourite breeding place in collec- tions of organic refuse such as garbage dumps. On the advent of cold weather it migrates to dwellings and under favourable conditions may remain active and continue breeding throughout the winter. The common black field cricket (fig. 41) is widespread and abundant throughout Canada and occurs most commonly outdoors. It often finds its way into dwellings, particularly in the autumn, in search of warm protected places in which to hibernate. These crickets will eat practically anything when hungry and often attack clothing. When present in large numbers they have been known to do considerable damage in a single night. Control— Crickets may be prevented from breeding in such places as garbage dumps by incinerating all organic refuse as advocated in the control of the house fly. Where garbage dumps already have been established and are serving as a breeding place for crickets, the latter may be destroyed by using a 48 poisoned bait. This may be prepared by mixing together 1 lb. of Paris green (or white arsenic), 25 lbs. of bran, 1 lb. of salt (not necessary in alkaline districts), 2 gallons of molasses and water. The arsenical, bran, and salt should be mixed dry, after which the water and molasses may be added. Only sufficient water should be used to form a moist friable mash. The bait should be scattered thinly over the surface of the dump on a warm evening. Fig. 41— The field cricket, Gryllu.i nsnimilis Fab. (female). enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). Crickets may be destroyed in dwellings by blowing fresh pyrethrum powder into their hiding places, or by liberally spraying such places with pyrethrum- kerosene spray (see p. 8). Scattering or blowing sodium fluoride about their haunts also may give good results. When using the latter chemical, its some- what poisonous nature should be borne in mind. For other insects affecting upholstered furniture and household furnishings see under book lice (p. 50), cigarette beetle (p. 50) and powder post beetles (p. 52). 49 INSECTS AFFECTING TOBACCO, BOOKS, SEEDS, WOOD, ETC. In this section an account is given of certain species of insects that attack a variety of materials in dwellings, such as papers and books, vegetable matter used as "stuffing in mattresses and furniture, drugs, tobacco, seeds, floors, etc. SILVERFISH Silverfish, or fish moths, as they are sometimes called, are slender, wingless, scale-covered insects possessing a pair of long antennae or "feelers," and three long tail-like appendages at the end of the abdomen (fig. 42). They frequently attract attention in dwellings, libra- ries, bakeshops and various other buildings where they may be found in warm, moist, secluded situations on floors and walls and in and among papers, books, cloth- ing, etc. When disturbed or suddenly exposed to strong light they run rapidly into a place of concealment. Silverfish feed chiefly on starchy materials and glue, and for this reason some- times cause serious damage to glazed papers and the bindings of books. In addi- tion, they attack starched clothing and fabrics, and feed on dry foodstuffs containing starch. They, also, have been known to remove the paste from behind wall- papers causing the latter to peel from the walls. Two species of silver- fish occur as household pests in Canada. These are scien- tifically known as Lepisma saccharina L., and Thermobia domestica Pack. The former species is a glistening silvery or silvery-gray insect, and the latter, which is the more common of the two, is pearly white mottled with dusky scales along the back. Control— Silverfish, like many other household pests, thrive best in situ- ations left undisturbed for relatively long periods, such as among infrequently used books, and in basements, attics, etc. When their presence is discovered, therefore, the infested rooms should be subjected to a thorough housecleaning. This should be followed by lightly dusting fresh pyrethrum insect powder or sodium fluoride in the places where the insects are most numerous. Pyrethrum powder quickly loses its insecticidal properties and should be renewed at intervals until the insects have all disappeared. Sodium fluoride retains its killing power indefinitely, but should be used with caution owing to its rather poisonous properties. Fig. 42— A species of silverfish, Thermobia domestica Pack., enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). 50 BOOK LICE Book lice, or psocids, are tiny, pale, yellowish or grayish-white, wingless insects, measuring less than one-twelfth of an inch in length. They are louse- like in appearance, but their habits are quite unlike those of the true lice which are parasites of warm-blooded animals and man. Book-lice are so called because they frequently are found among the pages of old books that have lain undis- turbed for some time. They feed on a variety of organic substances, but owing to their small size and feeble mouthparts are rarely considered injurious. Book- lice sometimes occur in great numbers in dwellings, particularly in poorly lighted, warm, damp rooms which are seldom disturbed. In such places they may become a nuisance by swarming over floors, walls and furnishings. Occasionally they are found breeding in immense numbers in straw mattresses and in furniture stuffing of vegetable origin. A common species found in dwellings is Atropos pulsatoria L. (fig. 43). Control. — Ordinarily book-lice occur only in small numbers in dwellings, and under such conditions a thorough house- cleaning combined with sunning and airing of the infested rooms and the objects therein, will give satisfactory results. When the book-lice are present in large numbers, efforts should be made to find the source of the infestation which should be removed and, in the case of the straw stuffing of mattresses, burned. In addition to the above measures the liberal spraying of infested rooms with pyrethrum-kerosene spray (see p. 8) or lightly dusting with sodium fluoride (see p. 7) are also recommended. In badly infested premises where such measures are found insufficient the insects may be des- troyed by superheating (see p. 9) , or by fumigat- ing with hydrocyanic acid gas (see p. 4), or sulphur dioxide (sec p. 6), using lib. of calcium cyanide to each 1,000 cubic feet with the former and 2 lbs. of sulphur with the latter. THE CIGARETTE BEETLE, Lasioderma eerricorne Fab. Although called the cigarette beetle and seemingly preferr- ing tobacco (fig. 44) to other kinds of products, Fig. 43 — A common book-louse. Atropos puha- torin I.., enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). , P'ig. 44 — Cigarettes damaged by the cigarette beetle (original;. 51 this insect does not by any means confine its attention to tobacco. It is known to feed in addition upon a number of different products kept in store, such as seeds, dried drugs, yeast cakes, etc., also on vegetable material used in upholstered furniture. The beetle, shown in figure 45, is brown in colour and, in length, is rather less than one- eighth of an inch. The grub is also small, whitish in colour and covered, noticeably, with numerous brownish hairs. Control. — Tobacco or other material found to be infested, if in small quantities, should be destroyed by burning. We would welcome reports of serious outbreaks of this insect. With full particulars of the infestation, and possibly a personal examination of the premises by one of our officers, we would be in a position to give more detailed advice; for instance, as FiR . 4 ^ T he cigarette beetle, enlarged regards superheating or fumigating. and natural size (authors' illustration). THE DRUG STORE BEETLE, Silorlrcpa panicea L. Fig. 46 — The drug store beetle, enlarged . and natural size (authors' illustration). (.See aDOVej. This insect, shown in figure 46, is not uncommon in drug stores, where it feeds upon various kinds of drugs (fig. 47), one writer recording that he found the insect on 45 different drugs. Herrick says that it makes no discrimination between those drugs "that are poisonous to human beings, at least, and those perfectly harmless. Indeed, in its drug menu are such bitter and poisonous substances as aconite and belladonna." In addition, it is known to bore into leather and books and, among household foods, to attack dried beans and peas, breakfast foods, flour, various syrups, etc. The beetle is about one- tenth of an inch long, reddish-brown in colour, and bears rather indistinct fine hairs. The grub is small and whitish in colour. Control. — Same as for the cigarette beetle \ Fig. 47— Licorice destroyed by the drug store beetle (authors' illustration). 52 POWDER POST BEETLES Complaints are not infrequently received of injury by these insects to wood products such as flooring, furniture, axe handles, etc. Hickory, ash and oak are especially subject to injury; other hardwoods, such as elm, maple, walnut, cherry and poplar are affected to a lesser degree. K^* £>*-' J**-* Fig. 48 — Woodwork destroyed by powder post beetles (authors' illustration). The presence of these insects is disclosed by fine boring dust emitted from small holes on the wood surface and shaken from them when the wood is jarred. When split the wood is found to be perforated by long tunnels (fig. 48) filled with powder and extending in all directions. If the work is continuing the whitish grubs may be found in the ends of the tunnels. The adult insects are somewhat flattened, brownish beetles, about one- fifth of an inch in length. The grubs burrow through the wood in all direc- tions leaving the tunnels behind them packed with powder. When full grown, they are yellowish-white, one-eighth to one-fifth of an inch long. These insects may continue breeding genera- tion after generation, ultimately seriously weakening or even completely ruining the wood in which they are working. Several species of powder post beetles occur in Canada. The one shown in figure 49, namely Lyctus planicollis Lee, is a widely distributed species; another species is Lyctus striatus Melsh. Two other small beetles which bore in wood in houses are known respectively as Anobium punctatum DeG. and Xestobium rufovillosum DeG. We have only one record of the former Fig. 49— A powder post beetle. Lyctus planicollis snppips npeiirrinff in honsp as its name indicates, has long U \^t^tS^C^r" filaments-frequently longer than the insect ; s Gibson and Ross). .«.. body. 57 The bugs occur in masses on the tender shoots and on the under and upper sides of the leaves and on the petioles. Individuals of all sizes may be found on the plants at the same time, especially on the undersides of the leaves along the mid-ribs and near the base of the leaf stems. They injure the plants by extract- ing the sap, in extreme cases causing the foliage to turn yellow and drop pre- maturely. Infested plants are also rendered unsightly by the disgusting masses of insects, and by the presence of a sooty fungus which grows in a sweet, sticky liquid called honey dew which is excreted by the bugs. Control. — The cheapest, safest and most simple method of combating mealy-bugs is to take the infested plants out-of-doors, place them on the ground and forcibly wash off the insects with water. Each plant should be treated individually and good pressure should be used. Sponging and brushing with soapy water are remedies which should be resorted to only when forcible sprink- ling is impracticable. THE GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY, Trialeurodes vaparariorum Wwtw. Several different kinds of house plants are attacked by this small insect (fig. 54). Primulas, especially, are commonly infested. The adult insect is a small four-winged moth-like creature about one-sixteenth of an inch long, the wings being pure white in colour and the body yellowish. The nymph is flat in shape, oval in outline, and pale greenish in colour. They are sucking insects, feeding greedily upon the plant juices from the undersides of the leaves. Severely attacked leaves dry up and die. Fig. 54 — Greenhouse wbitefly; adults and nymphs, enlarged four times (after Gibson and Ross). Control. — Spray the undersides of leaves of the infested plants with a mixture of ivory soap and water, § lb. of the former dissolved in 3 gallons of the latter. A 2 per cent free-nicotine dust (see p. 8) has been found effective in controlling plant lice on house plants and would doubtless also control the whitefly. INSECTS LIKELY TO BE PRESENT IN OR ON FRUITS AND VEGETABLES BROUGHT INTO THE HOME In order that the housewife may be familiar with certain of the more com- mon pests not infrequently found in or on fruits and vegetables sold in the trade, the following information is given. THE CODLING MOTH, Carpocapsn pomaneUa L. The small, whitish or pinkish, smooth, unmarked caterpillars of the codling moth are present in the fruit of many uusprayed apple orchards. This fruit 58 unfortunately very often finds its way into the home and, when used for food, the caterpillar, which may attain a length of three-quarters of an inch, is exposed. Figure 55 shows the work of this insect. Many housewives undoubt- edly would discard such infested apples. This, however, is not always neces- sary as usually only a part of the apple is injured, the remaining portion, of course, being perfectly good. f \ \ Fig. 55— Codling moth caterpillar and its destructive work in apple (authors' illustration). THE APPLE MAGGOT, h'hagoletis pomonella Walsh. The apple maggot is a well-known pest of the apple. It is whitish in colour, difficult to see, and when mature is about one-quarter of an inch in length. It burrows in all directions through the flesh of the apple, feeding upon the pulp and leaving discoloured channels, as shown in figure 56. Not infrequently, P5g. 56— Malformed apple and tunnelling in apple— work of the apple maggot (authors' illustration). 59 infested apples which show no external sign of injury, are brought into the home, but, as a rule, fruit from orchards in which the insect is causing appreciable damage, is misshapen and appears much like that shown in the illustration. The use of apples infested with apple maggot is, of course, not recommended. THE PLUM CURCULIO, Conolrachelus nenuphar Hbst. This curculio is a snout beetle about one-fifth of an inch in length, in general appearance somewhat similar to the apple curculio (fig. 57), but with a much shorter and stouter snout. In the latter part of August and during the first half of September, the beetle feeds upon the nearly full-grown apples causing important injury. Unless the uninjured portions of such fruit are used at once, decay where the punctures have been made is very liable to develop. THE APPLE CURCULIO, Tachypterellus quadrigibbus Say. This snout beetle (fig. 57), is an important enemy of the apple in the province of Quebec. The beetle is reddish-brown in colour and about one-quarter of ;in inch in length. It punctures the fruit for the purposes of oviposition and feeding. Mr. C. E. Petch, in charge of the Dominion Entomological laboratory, Hemmingford.Que. . has given this insect special study. lie says: *"The punct- ures arrest growth and result in hard, green, core-formation: extending generally to the centre of the apple. Tins hardened portions are bitter and if the fruit is badly punctured, it becomes unfit fxr eating. Even when the apples are cooked, the little green cores remain as small lumps and materially lessen the quality of the product." In order that the housewife may be familiar with the work of this insect, injured apples are shown in figure 58. Fig. 57 — The apple curculio, enlarged and natural size (after Petch) . A B Fig. 5S— Apple curculio injury: (a ) feeding punctures; (b) ovipositien punctures (after Petch). •Circular No. 36, Dom. Dept. Agric. 60 THE ORIENTAL FRUIT MOTH, Laspeyresia molesta Busck Fig. 59 — Oriental fruit moth caterpillar and its work (authors' illustration). This very destructive orchard pest has gained a firm foothold in peach-growing districts in Ontario. As a consequence, peaches noticeably infested by the caterpillars have been pur- chased by housewives. The figure herewith illustrates the work of the insect (fig. 59). The caterpillar, when very young, is whitish in colour with a black head. Later it turns to a pinkish or reddish colour. When it has reached full growth it is about half an inch in length and in general very similar to the caterpillar of the well-known codling moth. It feeds upon the pulp of the fruit. The infested fruit should be des- t roved. THE GRAPE BERRY MOTH, Polyckrosia rileana Clem. In grape-growing sections of the Niagara peninsula, Ont., this insect is sufficiently abundant some years to attract attention. During the year 1928, grapes were observed on I he market which were noticeably in- fested. The small dark greenish to purplish coloured caterpillars, which hatch from eggs laid on the berries by the moths, bore into the fruit and feed upon the pulp. Unfortunately they may still be inside the berries when placed on the table. Frequently, however, their presence in a bunch of grapes may be observed by certain of the clusters being webbed together with silk spun by the small caterpillars. This is illustrated in the accompanying figure (fig. 60). When noticed the bunches should be examined carefully and berries with small holes in them, or which are partly decayed, should be destroyed. Fig. 60— Grapes infested with larvae of the grape berry moth (authors' illustration). CHERRY FRUIT FLIES, Rhagoletia cingiUata Loew and Rhagolelis fatteta O.S. In the province of Ontario, cherries bought on the market are, some vears, mfested*by the maggots of one of the above-mentioned cherry fruit flies/ The maggots are whitish or yellowish in colour and, when full-grown, about a quarter u i m p» pi \ftJL j*^* : Ma * n 61 of an inch in length. They feed inside the fruit, and even when the latter is being picked, there may he no external evidence of infestation. As a consequence, the wormy cherries may only be discovered when the housewife is preserving them for winter use. ( frowers of cherries who know that these insects are present in their orchards, should endeavour to control them and, furthermore, prevent the sale of wormy cherries. SCALE INSECTS Scale insects of several kinds are not infrequently found on fruit, par- ticularly apple. Four species, namely, the oyster shell scale, Lepidosaphes ulmi L.; the scurfy scale, < 'hionaspis furfur a hitch ; the San Jose scale, Aspidiotus pemiciosus Comst., and the European fruit scale, Aspidiotus ostreaeformis Curtis, have been complained of, in Canada. The figure herewith shows dis- coloration to the skin of the apple as a result of the work of the San Jose scale (fig. 61). The pear is, also, similarly attacked. Scale insects also may be found on the skin of oranges and lemons (fig. 62). The California red scale, Ckrysomphalus aurantii Mask., is common on the former, and the oleander scale, Aspidiotus hederae Vail., on the latter. Fiji, lil — Apple infested with San Josf scale (authors' illustration). Fig. <12 — Orange infested with the red scale (authors' illustration). It is seldom that scale insects are sufficiently numerous on fruit to render it unfit for use in the home. In the case of apples and pears, it is a wise pro- cedure, whether the skin is infested or not, to peel the fruit before using it. This practice is followed with oranges. As regards lemons, these are washed before shipment to Canada is made. If. notwithstanding this, scale insects are present, an additional washing or wiping should remove them. THE IMPORTED CABBAGE WORM, Pteris rapae L. This pest, the caterpillar of the butterfly known as the white cabbage butterfly, feeds commonly on the heads of cabbages and also on the green portions of the heads of cauliflowers. These caterpillars sometimes may be found on cauliflower served in restaurants and hotels. The caterpillar, velvety green in colour, measures about an inch in length when mature, and may be readily seen. If not present, its work may be detected and also the frass or dirt it leaves behind. Many housewives follow the practice of soaking such vegetables in water in which salt has been dissolved. With this treatment any insects present should soon be noticed. 62 THE DIAMOND-BACK MOTH, PlvJUMa macuUpermis Curt. The small green caterpillars of this moth, which when mature are about three-eighths ot an inch in length, commonly infest the leaves of cabbages After completing their growth they spin open network cocoons on the lower sides of the leaves In this way the insect is brought into the home, and in years ot abundance, moths emerging from the cocoons on the leaves mav be present in sufficient numbers to displease the housewife. The moth is slender in appear- ance and in general colour, grayish or brownish. It has a wing expanse of about five-eighths of an inch. This insect does not cause any damage in the house but on account of its size and general appearance, may be mistaken for those kinds which attack foodstuffs. THE CABBAGE MAGGOT, Hylemyia Irrassicae Bouche The small whitish maggots of this insect commonlv infest the roots of radishes and turnips, and infrequently the heads of cauliflowers. The presence of one or two maggots in radishes and small garden turnips should render them j - 11 A V > 1 I Fig. 63— Table turnips and radishes infested with cabbage maggot (after Gibson and Treherne). unfit for sale, but the infestation may not be detected by the grower and as a consequence the vegetables are broughl into the house. The figures herewith illustrate the work of the maggot (fig. 63). Infested radishes and cauliflowers Should be destroyed. In the case of table turnips, it is often possible to cut away the injured parts and use the remainder of the roots. 63 THE CARROT RUST FLY, PsOa rosae Fab. In Eastern Canada, this insect is an important enemy of carrots. The maggot i s f a yellowish colour and when mature is about one-quarter of an inch in length. Very often the maggot will he found in carrots stored in sand for winter use (fig. 64). When prepared for the table, the infested parts may usually be removed and destroyed. If, however, the brownish tunnels of the maggot are seen to be numerous, the carrots should, of course, be destroyed. The sand in which they have been stored should lie carefully re- moved in spring and buried in a deep hole or thrown into water, as it will doubtless contain many of the insects which have entered it to pupate. THE PEA MOTH, Luxjm ijn. «i nii/ricnim Steph. In Eastern Canada, the small whitish caterpillars of the pea moth, which, when mature, are about half Fig. 04— Portion of earrot show- an inch in length, are frequently found in the pods of W tlu ' w,rk °f * he ' arv » e °{ j , , v it j to. . -n the carrot rust fly (authors garden peas when being shelled. Ihe caterpillars illustration). feed upon the forming peas, eating into them and thus causing irregular cavities (fig. 66). All such infested material should be destroyed. In badly infested gardens it would be advisable to remove all the vines and burn them before the insects leave the pods. Fig. 85 — Pea moth injury to garden peas (authors' illustration). THE PEA WEEVIL, Myldbris pisorum L. Garden peas harvested for winter use may, some years, be found to be infested with the well-known pea weevil (fig. 66) often referred to as the "pea ■Pig. 86 — The pea weevil, enlarged and natural size (original). Fig. 67 — Peas infested with pea weevils (original). 64 bug." The grub feeds on the forming peas in the pod and when mature changes there to the perfect beetle, a small brownish-gray species about one-fifth of an inch long. When garden peas are known to be infested thev should not be allowed to ripen, but the vines should be carefully gathered and piled so that the unused pods containing the insects may be burned. THE EUROPEAN CORN BORER, Pyrowsta nulnlalis Bbn. * This caterpillar or borer, present only in Eastern Canada, has a special fondness for sweet corn such as bantaxii. In certain sections of Ontario, par- ticularly, ears brought into the home have been found to be infested with the borer (fig. 68) which not only feeds upon the kernels, but also burrows into the Fig. 68— Caterpillar of the European corn borer, attacking ear of oorn (authors' illustration.) cob. The borer when mature is about one inch long, of a light brownish or flesh colour with a dark brown head. As this is a very serious pest of corn and certain other plants, all caterpillars found should be destroyed. Infested cobs should not be thrown outside, but should be burned or immersed for several minutes in boiling water. THE CORN EARWORM, HeUotku obsolete Fab, This caterpillar when mature is from about one and one-quarter to one and one-half inches in length. It varies in colour from light green to dark brown, with rather indistinct stripes on the back, and a wider, conspicuous, pale coloured band along the side. It attacks the ears of garden or sweet corn, feeding on ? fig. 69— Greenhouse tomatoes destroyed by corn ear worm: caterpillar feeding on tomato at left •*■- (after Gibson and Ross). (35 the kernels, particularly those near the tassel. Some years the insert is quite abundant and at such times it may also be found boring in the fruit of tomatoes. It is not infrequently found in tomatoes imported into Canada from southern regions (fig. 69). THE BEET LEAF MINER, Pegomyia vidna Lint. Beet greens are very popular and by many preferred to spinach. The foliage, however, of both plants in some years is noticeably at- tacked by the beet leaf- miner, the injury show- ing as conspicuous dis- coloured blotches i fig. 70). The maggot which mines in the leaves, causing this injury, is white in colour and rather small in size. If an infested leaf is held up to the light, the maggot, as a rule, may be seen in its mine. All infested portions of leaves used as greens should be re- j. 70-Beet leaves infested with beet leaf-miner (author*' moved and destroved. illustration). WIREWORMS (Ehteridae) The slender, hard- shelled, yellowish, or reddish-brown larvae, about an inch or less in length, commonly known as wirewonns (fig. 71), not infre- , , . . ,, quently may be found Fig. 71— A wireworm, enlarged and naturar size (original). .* , J , J , in the tubers of pot- atoes in autumn. Wirewonns feed nor- mally on the roots of grasses and occur commonly in land which has been in sod for several years. When such in- fested land is used for a crop like potatoes, the wirewonns attack the latter causing injury similar to that shown in figure 72. During (he winter months, when potatoes are being pre- pared for the table, hardened, dark- coloured, channel-like areas may be found. These result from wireworm attack. Such areas, of course, should be Fig. 72— Potato damaged by wirewonns „„_,) (authors' illustration). removed. 66 SLUGS These soft -bodied creatures which are molluscs, commonly infest well- matured tomatoes. They eat out conspicuous cavities, the injury often not being noticed until the tomatoes are brought into the home. They also attack the tubers of potatoes as well as the roots of radishes and carrots (fig. 73). Slugs are nocturnal in habil , hiding during the day beneath stones, clods of earth, etc. Uninjured portions of tomatoes or other veg- etables should not be destroyed. The slugs only affect the parts where 1 they have been feeding. Kg. 73 — Slugs Feeding on potato (authors' illustration). APHIDS OR PLANT LICE Lettuce grown in greenhouses for winter use is subject to attack by aphids of the genera Myzus and Macrosiphum. These insects, generally referred to as "green fly," feed on the juices of the plants through their beak-like sucking mouthparts. Plant lice are so small that they may be easily overlooked by the housewife. While we do not wish to infer that all lettuce grown for winter use is infested by aphids. we do advise forceful washing of the leaves to dislodge any speci- mens that may be present. Pig. 7* Eabil -Larvae of dork sawfly and injury caused by its of boring into apples, in autumn, to liili ernate (lifter Clibson). OTHER FRUIT OR VEGETABLE INFESTING INSECTS There are a number of other kinds of insects or their injury which the housewife may observe from time to time — for instance, the apple fruit miner, the lesser apple worm, the dock false worm (fig. 74), the apple red bug, the apple seed chalcid, the gooseberry fruit worm, the currant fruit fly, the rhubarb curculio, budmoth, etc. — but must of these are usually of limited occurrence and it is therefore not necessary to draw special attention to them here. 67 OTHER INSECTS THAT ENTER DWELLINGS AND ARE OBNOXIOUS BY THEIR PRESENCE In addition to the insects mentioned in the foregoing chapters, there are a number of other kinds which at times enter houses and. by their presence, may become a nuisance. THE CLUSTER FLY, Pollenia mdis Fab. As the common name indicates, this fly is well known from its habit of gatheiing or clustering in numbers in houses, being observed particularly in autumn. A1 such time, it is not infrequently a decided nuisance. During the summer months the cluster fly "lives out of doors, frequenting the flowers and fruits of plants. In the autumn, however, it enters dwelling-houses in search of snug retreats in which to pass the winter. It gathers in clusters in the corners of unused darkened rooms, under clothing in closets, beneath curtains at windows, and in other nooks" (Herrick). This fly is sluggish in habit. In appearance it is somewhat larger and generally darker in colour than the common house fly and unlike this latter insect bears on its body many short yellowish-coloured hairs. The larvae or maggots of this species are said to develop as internal parasites of earthworms. Control. — A simple method of destroying these flies is to spray them with the kerosene-pyrethrum mixture described on page S. All dead flies, as well as those which may be only stupefied, should he swept up and burned. MIDGES AND OTHER FLIES There arc several kinds of flies, such as midges, crane Hies and others, not dealt with in the foregoing pages of this bulletin, which gain access to houses, particularly during warm summer evenings. In the main, these insects are not injurious, but on occasions they cause annoyance by flying around lighted lamps particularly those near a reading table or resting couch. On several occasions we have received reports, with specimens, of the presence of small Hies of the species CMoropisca variceps Lw.. in dwellings. One correspondent found them in winter in great numbers between a sash and wall evidently hibernating. Another correspondent reported them as trouble- some in spring and autumn about the front porch and on ceilings, indoors. Specimens of this species which is related to the well-known wheat sleni maggot, Meromyza americana Fitch, have been received from Orillia and Hillsburgh, Ont. ; Aweme. Man., and Athabasca and Banff, Alta.. indicating a widespread dis- tribution. Control, — Many of the larger flies may be kept out of the house by proper screening, but the very small midges are able to get through I he meshes of ordinary screens. If they become especially numerous, the fly spray described on page 8 should be used. CUTWORM MOTHS The moth of the W-marked cutworm. Agrotis vmicolor Wlk., which is active in June, July, August and September, occurs from Nova Scotia to British Columbia, ft expands about If inches when the wings are spread. The front wings are of a dark, smoky-brown colour and bear rather indistinct transverse lines and spots. The hind WUlgS are whitish, tinged with brown, darkest at the outer edges. In years when the moths are abundant, they fly into houses during the evening and become quite a pest. The yellow-headed cutworm moth, Septis arctica Bdv., is a fairly large Species, expanding when the wings are spread from If to slightly more than 2 08 inches. The front wings are reddish-brown, shaded towards the base and the outer space with bluish-gray; transverse lines and spots are also present. The hind wings are brownish, the outer third being darkest. This moth is also wide- spread in distribution, being found from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. When abundant, it has the annoying habit of flying into houses, getting into lamps. etc., and soiling curtains and clothes. The army cutworm moth, Euxoa auxiliaris ( rrt., is some years very abundant in the Prairie Provinces, particularly Alberta. Y\ ith the wings spread, the average width is about \\ inches. In colour the moths may be of a reddish, Fig. 75 — A cutworm moth, enlarged and natural size (original). brownish or grayish shade. The moths of this latter species gain admission into houses mainly under the shingles. In Entomological Branch Bulletin No. 13, it is recorded that in one house at Lethbridge, which had every door and window screened, our officers took as many as 700 moths at night from a light trap hung in the attic. Control. — The proper screening of doors and windows will prevent many cutworm moths from entering dwellings and thus serves to reduce infestations. THE BEET WEBWORM, Loxoshge sticticalie L. This common prairie pest is some years enormously abundant, and when an outbreak occurs, the caterpillars assume the inarching habit and enter gardens and even houses, much to the annoyance of the occupants. In writing of an outbreak in Alberta, in 1919, Strickland* says: "On July 26, migrating swarms appeared in the city of Calgary and their numbers increased with such startling rapidity that the effect upon the citizens might almost be described as one*of panic." •Ann. Rep. Ent. Soe. of Ont. 1920. p. 30. 69 The beet webworm (fig. 76) when mature is about an inch in length, greenish in colour with yellow stripes on the back and sides. On reaching full growth, in years of such abundance, the marching habit is develop- ed, usually lasting only for a few days, during which time the caterpillars enter the earth to make the cocoons in which they pass the winter. Control. — When an outbreak of the caterpillars occurs, and they have assumed the inarching habit, their entrance into gardens and houses may be prevented Fig.7*-Beei we^ora larvae, ,. . . T , , ... , i i i.i • i„<. natural suse (after Gibson). by digging a trench about 10 inches deep along the sides from which they are advancing, and placing in it a poisoned bait consisting of freshly pulled moistened weeds, such as amps quarters, pigweed, shepherd's purse, etc.. which have been well dusted with Paris green, at the rate of 1 lb. of poison to 50 lbs. of weeds. The poisoned bait should be renewed when necessary. THE STRAWBERRY ROOT WEEVIL, lirm .kyrhinut : nnitus L. This weevil is about one-quarter of an inch in length, blackish in colour, and in appearance as shown in figure 77. It is an important pest of strawberry plants, being particularly destructive in the province of British Columbia. It also occurs in the eastern provinces. On several occasions we have received specimens with the complaint that the beetle was found in numbers invading the home. These infestations only occur when the insect is present in strawberry plantations in outbreak form. Control. — We know of no satisfactory deter- rent to keep them away. If specimens are observed in numbers, we would suggest gather- ing them by sweeping, and destroying them at once so as to reduce the infestation the following year. As the beetle is without wings and there- fore cannot fly, it must walk into the house through some opening. Proper screening would undoubtedly assist in preventing the admission of the insect. Fig. 77 — The strawberry root weevil, greatly enlarged (after Dowries I . LADYBIRD BEETLES Ladybird beetles of several kinds very often gain admission into houses. They are, usually, of similar size, about one- quarter inch in length, varying particularly in colour and markings. A common species is the two-spotted ladybird. Arfaliu bijrwncb- aid L. (fig. 78), which is of a reddish- yellow colour, the two spots being black, as is also the central area near the head. This species has frequently been received from housewives who thought it was one of the carpet beetles. Other common species are not infrequently found in- houses. Two of these are the twice-stabbed ladybird, Ck&o- COTUS bind itt TUi Muls., black in colour with two red spots, one on each wing cover, and ].;„ - s _ The two-spotted ladybeetle, Adalia bipunctata I... enlarged and natural size (original). 70 the [convergent ladybird, Hippodamia convergent Guer., which is of an orange- red colour marked with black and white. Ladybird beetles, both in the larval and adult stages, feed voraciously on plant lice and other small insects. They are, therefore, decidedly beneficial' and should not he destroyed. THE REAL STINK BEETLE, Xoinius pygmaeus Dej. During the summer months reports are received chiefly from the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia of the presence of this insect in or adjacent to dwellings. The beetle shown in figure 7!' is brown or blackish in colour without markings and, in size, about one-quarter of an inch long. Fletcher, *writing of this insect in 1899, says: "Fortunately, in most places this is an extremely rare insect, but on two or three occasions it has appeared in small numbers about dwelling houses and has been an intolerable affliction to the inhabitants, who were actually driven away until the plague ceased." Regarding the odour he states that "the beetle, when crushed or excited, as by being caught in a spider's web, can and does give out a most far-reaching and repulsive fetor which is, besides, of a very lasting nature, articles which have been in contact with the beetles retaining the characteristic odour for several weeks." Fig. 79 — The real stink beetle, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration). THE ROUGHENED DARKLING BEETLE, Upis cerambmdes L. In Western Canada, particularly in Manitoba, this fairly large, conspicuous beetle is often noticed in kitchens, particularly in boxes in which firewood is stored. The beetle, which is black in colour, about three-quarters of an inch in length, has wing cases which are noticeably roughened. It is closely related to the beetle of the yellow meal worm, Tenebrio molitor L., figured on page 33. The latter, however, is dark brown in colour with smooth wing cases. The roughened darkling beetle is widespread in occurrence in Canada. Outdoors, it occurs commonly under the bark of decayed or decaying trees. It has a rather objectionable odour. THE BOX ELDER BUG, Leptocoris trwittatus Say In the fall of the year, during seasons when this bug is abundant, it is not unusual for the insects to migrate from their feeding grounds into out-buildings and houses in search of suitable quarters in which to pass the winter. They do not, of course, cause any injury in dwellings, but their pres- ence is objectionable to the occupants. The bug (fig. 80) is about one-half inch in length, moderately stout, blackish in colour with red markings. It feeds on the plant juices of the box elder, sucked therefrom through its beak which is in- serted into the plant tissues. i Fig. 80— The box elder bug, natural size (authors' illustration). •Recent additions to the list of Injurious Insects of Canada: Trans. Roy. Soc. Can. V. 230. 71 Control— In districts, such as Manitoba, where the bug is some years very numerous, it has the habit of gathering in great numbers on the trunks of trees, large stones, posts, etc. At such times, large numbers may be destroyed by pouring boiling water over them or spraying them with a contact insecticide. V simple mixture is the following: coal oil, 1 quart: flour, 8 ounces; water, 2 gallons. Stir together the flour and coal oil, then add the water and churn briskly for five minutes. This sprav should lie used at once. -Masses oi the bugs on tree trunks near houses should be brushed off and then sprayed with the oil mixture. The oil should not lie applied directly to the trees. THE MASKED HUNTER, Redwrius personam L. Not infrequently complaints are receiyed of specimens of the assassin bug, known as the masked hunter (fig. 81). being found in houses. This bug in its mature state is about three-quarters of an inch long, and in colour, black or dark brown. Younger stages of the bug appear pale in colour owing to the fact that the body and other parts are covered with a sticky substance to which dust adheres. In the United States the adult insect, some years ago, was given the popular name "kissing bug" from the fact that it was actually caught biting people. We cannot recall any records, in Canada, of this bug causing sued injury, aithough undoubtedly it has the power to do so. It is supposed to frequent houses infested with bedbugs, Fig. 81— The masked upon which it preys, as well as upon other small soft- (a ^ : X™»?Sn). bodied insects. CAVE CRICKETS These insects, also known as camel crickets, are found in cool, dampish situations, as, for instance, under logs, flat stones, etc. Not infrequently, how- ever, they occur in the cellars of houses having earth floors. Some correspond- ents have claimed that the insects were observed in the kitchen, in late autumn, having come up from the cellar. They are curiously shaped insects, with their long legs and long feelers and no wings (fig. 82). Otherwise they are much like the true crickets. They are, usually, of a pale brown colour. Fig. 82-A cave or camel cricket, Ceuibophihu «>., wdarged Mid natural size (original). In Canada the species usually found it. cellars belong to the genus Cejrfho- philus, which have a body length of about half an inch. In the l'ra.r.e Provinces 72 a larger species of the genus Udeopsylla is found in cellars. It is dark brown in colour, much larger than Ceuthophilus, with a body length of over one inch. Control. — The remedy which has usually been suggested to destroy these insects is to cut up one or two carrots, and the same number of potatoes, and dust these lightly with Paris green. The poisoned pieces should be distributed in the places where the cave crickets are seen. Some of our correspondents, however, have reported little success from this remedy. The probability is that the insects woidd lie attracted to the well-known grasshopper bait — bran, molasses and Paris green (see p. 48). A simple formula is one quart of bran, one tablespoonful of molasses, one teaspoonful of Paris green (or white arsenic) and sufficient water to moisten the bran. The bran and the poison should be mixed thoroughly while dry, the molasses dissolved in the water, and the dry mixture moistened with the liquid, stirring well so as to dampen all the bran. Poisoned baits such as the above should lie used with great care and be placed where children or domestic animals would not have access to them. FUNGUS AND SCAVENGER BEETLES Small pale reddish-brown, elongate beetles of the families Cryptophagidae (fungus beetles) and Lathridiidae (scavenger beetles), measuring from one- twenty-fifth to one-tenth of an inch in length, are sometimes found in consider- able numbers in dwellings, usually in cellars or basements, where they are attracted by fire wood, apples and probably often by the dark cool dampness, or at windows endeavouring to escape. The habits of these beetles vary con- siderably, and in nature they occur among dead leaves and on moss and leaves, under bark, at sap and on bruised fruit. For the most part they do no damage in dwellings, but a few species (Lathridiidae) have been recorded in the United States in drugs and other dry commercial products. Mr. W. J. Brown of our Division of Systematic Entomology, at Ottawa, has identified the following species taken in dwellings in the localities as shown. Family Lathridiidae: Enicmus miniUus L., Montreal, Que.; Hamilton, Ont., and Newdale, Man.: Cartodere filum Aube, Ottawa, Ont.. Winnipeg, Man., and an unrecorded locality in Saskatchewan; Corticaria ferruginea Marsh, Toronto, Out.: Coninomus constr ictus Civil., Montreal, Que. Family Crypto- phagidae: Cryptophagns sp., Hamilton. Ont., and Newdale. Man. Mr. Brown has informed us that when the beetles are numerous in houses, two or more species usually occur together. Control. — When infestations persist we recommend that materials attractive to the beetles be removed and the infested place be cleaned and aired, and sprayed with :i fly spray such as the one described on page 8. INSECTS AND OTHER ANIMAL LIFE IN DRINKING WATER W ells adjacent to houses are sometimes found infested with insects. In this connection we have received specimens of chironomid larvae, known as "blood worms," from their reddish colour. These small, cylindrical worms are not in themselves likely to be injurious, in fact rather otherwise, because they feed upon any vegetable matter which might be in the water. In addition to insects, frogs, mice, earthworms and other creatures not infrequently gain access to wells, are drowned therein, and, in decomposing, pollute the water. On one occasion we received from a. correspondent living in Ottawa, a small specimen of a sow bug, which he claimed came through the kitchen tap in his house, in mid-March. ( ontrol. — When a well is found to be infested with insects or other creatures, if possible, it would seem advisable to pump out all, or nearly all the water, and give the well a thorough cleaning. Wells lined with concrete are less likely to becomelnfested and are easier to keep clean than wells lined with stone cribbing or brick, it is a wise procedure to boil infested drinking water before using it, pending its examination fty a competent authority. 73 ANIMAL PESTS OTHER THAN INSECTS FOUND IN AND ABOUT DWELLINGS It has been thought advisable to include in this bulletin a chapter on such common house pests as rats, mice, spiders, niites. etc., enquiries regarding the control of which are commonly referred to the entomologist. TYROGLYPHID MITES, Tyroglyphus app. Species of mites of the family Tyroglyphidae frequently occur in foodstuffs of various kinds including flour and other cereal products, cheese, meats, dried fruits, etc. Under a magnifying tila^s these mites may be observed as pale, soft-bodied creatures, each having eight legs, except when very immature, when six legs are present. Control. — When small quantities of foodstuffs are found infested they should be disposed of by burning. A method of ridding infested material of mites without destroying it. consists of heating it in an oven to a temperature of at least 140° F. When pantries or storerooms are infested they should he cleaned thoroughly with hot water and plenty of soap, and well sprayed with fly spray. THE CLOVER MITE, Bryobia pralensis Garm&u This pest of clover and certain other plants, occasionally invades dwellings to such an extent that large numbers of specimens may be found crawling on walls, furniture, pictures and other objects in the home. We have had reports of this happening both in autumn ami spring. The clover mite is about twice as large as the common spider mite or so-called "red spider" which occurs on a great variety of plants, but otherwise its appearance is much the same. Control. — If the mites occur in sufficient numbers to require action, we would suggest spraying the infested places with the fly spray described on page 8, using a small spray gun or atomizer. ITCH MITES Mites belong to the Class Arachnida, which also includes spiders and ticks. < 'ertain species of mites of the genus Sarcoptes attack man and domestic animals. The principal species affecting man is the itch mite. Sarcoptes scabiei DeG., which is the cause of a contagious skin disease known as scabies or itch. The itch mite is a minute, whitish creature with four pairs of legs. It is more or less circular in outline and barely visible to the naked eye. The female mites burrow into the skin between the fingers, on the backs of the hands, about the wrists and on the sides of the body and legs, forming small tortuous tunnels in which they lay their eggs. The males remain on the surface of the skin hiding under dead epidermal cells. The affected parts itch intensely and become red and scabbed, or inflamed, as the result of scratching. Control. — Take a hot bath and use plenty of soap on the affected parte. Follow this by a liberal application of sulphur ointment, rubbing it well into the skin. Repeat the treatment at intervals of a few days until the infestation has been eradicated. Sterilize towels, bedding and clothing, such as under- wear, gloves, etc., by boiling or baking, to prevent reinfestation- Avoid contact with affected persons or their belongings. THE BIRD MITE, Dermanyasus avium Dug. This pest (fig. 83) is not uncommon on canaries and other cage birds, causing them great discomfort. The presence of this mite causes the birds to become mopev and they are seen to be constantly pecking their feathers. II present in numbers, the bird becomes sickly and death may follow. Their actual occurrence 74 may be detected by putting a white cloth over the cage at night, examining this early the next morning. If the mites are present, some of them will be seen on the cloth as little red specks, when full of blood, or of a greyish or brownish colour when not so engorged. Control. — As soon as it is known that there are mites in the cage, the bird should be removed and the cage thoroughly scalded out in every part — the wires, perches and the bottom. Before putting the bird back again, take a small paper bag, such as is used for groceries, and having put into it about a teaspoonful of fresh pyrethrum insect powder, drop the bird into the bag and hold the top closely shut for about half a minute. The little creature will be frightened at this unusual treatment and having no foothold will flutter a great deal. This is just what is wanted, for it will disturb the powder and make it per- meate the whole plumage. Although harmless to the bird, the powder is fatal to the mites and causes them to drop from the feathers. After Fig. 83-Mite fro,,, canary, removing the bird, the bag and its contents should greatly enlarged (original). . , . B , , ,' . tt be destroyed by burning. TICKS Ticks (fig. 84) are principally of importance as pests of live stock, but some- times attack man and domestic animals, particularly dogs, and thus on occasion may be brought into the home. They are small leathery-skinned, eight-legged animals, bean-shaped when replete with blood, and often measure as much as half an inch in length. They are parasites, and feed on the blood of animals and man by in- serting their mouthparts into the skin of their host. They are difficult to dislodge owing to the presence of recurved teeth or barbs on the inserted organs. Ticks sometimes cause a complaint known as "tick paralysis" in children and young animals, which may end fatally if the ticks are not removed. When the ticks are removed, however, the symptoms usually abate rapidly, resulting in complete recovery. Hadwen* records three species of ticks in Canada that sometimes attack man. These are the dog tick. Dermacentor variabilis Say, the wood tick, /;. venu&tu& Ti *\ 84r 7 T t e JS!*,..*"*' r> i , ,i i ■■ , t j • • ft \ T j. enlarged about 2 k times Banks, and the castor bean tick, lxou ( 'rane Hies ° / (rickets ^6 i 'ryptophagus sp J^ ( !■ noa phalus cants Kouche ■ Jj: pAaltts fejta < 'urt is ptjptl ML ( 'uiex spp ','! I 'nrrant fruil By j>8 < utworru moths 67 Daddy-long-legs 'J\ Dark meal worm •'•> Death watch 53 Deer mice ~~ Dermacentor variabilis Say ■* Dermacenlor venustus Banks ^ Dermanyssus avium Dug 73 Dermestes lardarius L 27 Dermestes vulpinus L 28 Diamond-back moth Dock false worm 6b Dog flea « Dog tick 74 Drinking water, Insects in '« Drosophila spp »• Drug store beetle is Elaieridae 65 Knniiius in i nut us L ™ E plu sti'i eauliUa Walk 3^ Ephestia • tufa ila Hbn 3^ Ephestin fujutilill.il Gregson »-| h'.lihi slin kuehniella Zell i Ethylene dichloride-carbon tetrachloride.. , » I'Ainipean chicken flea g, European corn borer „n European earwig g, European fruit scale „s European grain moth V- Buropean house cricket g a Euxoa attrition's Grt ^ Fannin euiiieulnris L Fannia sealaris Fab -|j Fern scale ^ Field cricket S q Field mice ^ 1'ish ninths.^ in ... iw Fleas —■•".■. •'! 1'oodstuffs, Insects affect ing £* ,i'ii nurieiiltirui b- ••■ „„ Fi mi-spotted bean weevil 86 INDEX— continued Page Freezing, Insert oontrol by Fruit flies 15 Pumiganta 4 — carbon bisulphide 6 —carbon tetrachloride ; ■ 6 — ethylene didhloride-oarbon tetrachloride 5 —hydrocyanic acid gas 4 — sulphur J* Fungus beetles ■ "2 General recommendations 3 German cockroach 24 Golden spider beetle 36 i looseberry fruit worm 66 ( Iranary weevil 33 Grape berry moth 60 Green-bottle fly 12 ( Ireenhouse white fly 57 QryHus aaaim ilia Fa b 47 Gryllus iomesticue I, 4! Hairy spider beetle 86 Harvest-men 7:> Head louse 20 Heliothis obsoh la Fab 64 Hemichionaspis aspidistrae Sign 56 Hemispherical scale 64 Hippodamia convt rgi iu ( luer 70 Hirundo erylhrogastra Hod 81 Souse centipede 75 House fly, The common 10 Ib.use mosquito 16 House mouse . 79 House plants, Insects affecting 53 House rat 76 House sparrow 83 Human flea ;••-•; "" Hydrocyanic acid gas fumigation 4 Hylemyia brassicat Bouche 62 Imported cabbage worm til Indian meal moth 30 Insecticides 4 — borax 7 — naphthalene 7 — nicotine dust 8 — paradichlorobenzene 7 — pyrethrum — pyrethrum-kerosene spray. — sodium fluoride Itch mites I. null x ririlllix l.atr Ladybird beetles Larder beetle Large stable fly Ziastoderma at rricome Fab Lashta niger var. amerieanua Em, Txtapeyresia molt ata Busck ha&peyrdaia nigrieana 9tepb 1 -a trine By Lawn ant htpidoaaphes ulmi L Lepiama saccharina L /., ptocoria trivittataa Say Lesser apple worm Lesser housefly Lice. Long-tailed mealy bug Long-tailed shrew hoxoaU gt aticticalia L l.ni-,1 ,,l iiiisnf L l/yctua plonicollia Lee Li/flu* atriohta Melsh Uocroaipkum spp Masked hunter Masked shrew Meadow mouse Meal imlWi Mealy bugs Mediterranean Hour moth 1/, i. mm., j nun 1 1, ,ina Fitch. 8 7 73 74 69 27 13 50 26 60 63 13 26 til 49 70 60 13 20 56 SI 68 18 52 52 66 71 81 so 38 56 31 67 Microtia pennsyfoanicus (Ord.). Midges Millipedes Mites Monomorium pharaania L Mosquitoes M lis llulsritlltS L Mttaoa domeaticQ L M.uacina atabuUxna Fall M usti hi riroijnunii Bonaparte. . . Muatela longicauda Bonaparte, Myiasis Mylabria chinenaie L Mylabria obteclus Say Mylabria pisorum L Mylabria quadrimoculatua Fab. . Mylabria rufimonua Boh Mytua spp Naphthalene Nicotine dust Niptua hololeucus Fald Nomina pygmat ua Dej Oedacua vicarius Horv. Pace 80 67 76 73 26 15 79 10 13 82 82 17 38 38 63 38 38 66 7 8 36 70 19 Oleander scale 56, 61 ( liieiit.il cockroach 24 t triental fruit moth 60 i lyster shell scale 01 Paradichlorobenzene 7 Passer Aom&alicua L 83 Pea moth 63 Pea weevil 63 Pediculu* hvmanua humanu* L 20 Pediculus hwrtonua corporia DeG 20 l'i gomyia ricina Lint 65 I', riplant in umertcafld L 24 l'i ri I'luni In iiiislriiliisini Fab 25 I', romyacua numiculatua (Wagner) 80 e( 1 73 87 INDEX— concluded Page Saw-toothed grain beetle Scale insects 54, Scavenger beetles. Sciurua hudsonicus (Erxleben) Scurfy scale ScxUigtra forceps Raf Septis arctica Bdv Short-tailed shrew Shrews Silvanus surinamensis L Silverfisb Sitotroga cerealella Ol Sitodrepa panicea L 38, Slugs Sodium fluoride Soft scale ■Sorer cinerem Bach Sow bugs Spiders Squirrels Stable fly Slomoxys cakitrans L Strawberry root weevil Sulphur, Fumigation with Superheating, Insect control by Swallow bug Swallows Tachypterellus quadrigibbus Say Temperature, Insect control by Tenebrio molitor L Tenebrio obscurus Fab Tenebroides maurilanicus L Thermobia domestica Pack 35 61 72 82 61 75 67 81 81 35 Hi 36 51 66 7 54 81 76 74 81 13 13 69 6 9 19 84 59 9 32 33 37 49 Page Thousand-legged worms Ticks 'I'iw a ijrunrlla L Tinea pellionella L Tincola biselliella Hum Trialeurodes mporariorum Westw Tribolium conjusum Duv Tribolium ferrugineum Fab Trigonogenius glvbulum Sol Trogoderma versicolor Crentz Twice-stabbed ladybird Two-spotted ladybird Two-winged flies Tyroglyphid mites Tyroglyphus spp Udeopsylla spp Upi8 ceramboides L Varied carpet beetle ia Vespa spp W-marked cutworm Wasps Weasels Wcasd, Long-tailed Webbing clothes moth Wheat stem maggot White-footed mouse White-marked spider beetle Wireworms Wood lice Wood tick Xestobium rufovillosum DeG Yellow-headed cutworm Yellow meal worm 76 74 35 39 39 57 37 37 37 10 73 73 72 70 44 22 1,7 22 39 67 80 36 65 76 74 52 67 32 630.4 C21? Author - Aufeur Canada MIN. de 1 'Agriculture Title - Titre Fermes Experimentales Bulletin N.S. Nome of Borrower Nom de f emprvnteur BORROWED 1 RETURNED DATE a DATE DU PRET | DE RETOUR Sii iffii liiilif WA K1A 0C5 3 9073 002157586 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS The following publications of the Department of Agriculture relating to insects are available on application to the Director of Publicity, Department of Agriculture, Ottawa: — The Chinch Bug in Ontario Circular No. 3 Common Garden Insects and Their Control Circular No. 9 The White-marked Tussock Moth and its Control Circular No. 11 NEW SERIES The Fruit Tree Leaf-roller and its Control in British Columbia Circular No. 10 The Beet Webworm Circular No. 14 The Control of Forest Tent Caterpillars in the Prairie Provinces Circular No. 19 The Apple Curculio and its Control in Quebec Circular No. 36 Two Orchard Scale Insects, the San Jose Scale and the Oyster Shell Scale. . . .Circular No. 37 The Blister Mite of Apple and Pear Circular No. 52 Mosquito Control in Canada Circular No. 62 The Round-headed Apple-tree Borer and its Control Circular No. 73 The Lecanium Scale Circular No. 77 The European Red Mite Circular No. 39 The Cherry Fruit Worm Circular No. 79 The Strawberry Root Weevil Pamphlet No. 5 The Western Wheat-stem Sawfly and its Control Pamphlet No. 6 Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects Pamphlet No. 14 Aphids or Plant Lice Pamphlet No. 31 Injurious Shade Tree Insects of the Canadian Prairies Pamphlet No. 47 The Control of the Destructive Spruce Bark Beetle in Eastern Canada . Pamphlet No. 48 Methods of Protection from Mosquitoes, Black Flies and Similar Pests of the Forest Pamphlet No. 55 The Pear Psylla and its Control Pamphlet No. 66 The Red-backed Cutworm and its Control in the Prairie Provinces Pamphlet No. 69 The Western Cedar Borer Pamphlet No. 94 Insects of the Flower Garden and Their Control Bulletin No. 99 Household Insects and Their Control Bulletin No. 112 Grasshopper Control in Canada, East of the Rocky Mountains Bulletin No. 143 The European Corn Borer (Hanger) Cutworm Outbreak Expected in 1931 (Folder) PRINTED BY F. A. ACLAND, KING'S, PRINTER OTTAWA. CANADA