Full text of "Household insects and their control"

See other formats

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

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

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

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

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*

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

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.

"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.

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

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).

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

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

( '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

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

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.

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, , <late ?} lt ? lntro( 'nction from Europe is not known, but it
probably established itself with the earliest settlers. It is found most com-
monly in old buildings, hotels and boarding houses, but may occur in dwellings
of any kind Its presence is rightly viewed with disgust and loathing owing to
its bloodsucking habits and obnoxious odour.

Bedbugs (fig. 4) are oval, flattened, reddish-brown, wingless insects
measuring about one-quarter, of an inch in length when full grown Tliev
possess piercing and sucking mouthparts and belong to the order Hemiptera

wr,-fl I f 0r i " for < mm f i '; n " n »»-tl'<«<J> ;<>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,

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.

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.

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.

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) .

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

V\\ \

A-

^ FH- *

^W/

Fid. 8 — Common white-faced hornet, Vetpa up., enlarged and natural size (original).

(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

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

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.

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

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

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

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<p « a> ^ ^

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

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."'

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

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

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

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.)

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).

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).

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

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

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

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

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).

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),

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

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.

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

•

Fig. 38— Larva of the buffalo carpet beetle, enlarged and natural size (authors' illustration'

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.

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

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).

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).

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;.

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).

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<? namplv in
Lee, enlarged and natural size species OCCUI ring m nOUSCS, Iiamei} , 111

(authors' illustration). Nova bcotia. I he latter species has

been found in the province of Quebec. Regarding these two species, hums,*
quoting from Gahan, states: "The name of 'death watch' is often applied to
both these species but belongs more properly to the latter insect. The tapping
noise is a sexual call and is heard most often in April to May when pairing
takes place. The beetle jerks its body forward several times in rapid succession
each time striking the lower part of the front of the head against the surface
upon which it is standing."

Control. — Flooring or other wood products found infested should be treated
with ordinary kerosene or coal oil, rubbing the oil well into the small holes or
forcing it in by means of a small atomizer or other force pump. We have received
letters from correspondents reporting success following such treatment.

THE BLACK CARPENTER ANT, Campmolus penmyhianicus DeG.

Complaints received regarding this ant, so far as houses are concerned,
have referred chiefly to injury to verandah posts. It is also known to effect
important damage to rafters and beams, and to infest kitchens and pantries
in search of sweets (see p. 26). The illustration herewith shows the work of
this ant (fig. 50). As its common name indicates, the ant is a large species,
with a body length of three-eighths of an inch (fig. 13).

Fig. 5ft— The work of the black carpenter ant in wood (authors' illustration).

Control. — The writers have controlled outbreaks of this ant in verandah
posts, by simply forcing hot water into the places where they had become
established. Sodium fluoride has also been used with success, puffing the powder
into the places where the ants are working, continuing the application once a
week until the ants have disappeared.

INSECTS AFFECTING HOUSE PLANTS

In 1922, the Entomological Branch published a bulletin on Insects Affecting
Greenhouse Plants.f In this bulletin information of value to the housekeeper
regarding the control of many plant-infesting insect pests is given. It is not
necessary to repeat here much of the information contained in the publication
referred to, but for convenience, mention is made of the more common species
found on house plants and the remedies given which have been found worth
while.

•A General Textbook of Entomology, 1925.

tDom. Department of Agriculture, Bulletin N"o. 7, New Scries, by Arthur Gibson and W. A. Koss.

APHIDS OR PLANT LICE

House plants of various kinds — rose, chrysanthemum, cineraria, geranium,
etc. — are frequently attacked by small, soft-bodied insects known as aphids,
or plant lice (fig. 51). There are several different species, which are found in
houses. Most of them are similar in appearance and greenish in colour, hence
the common name "green fly."

Fig. 51 — 1, Aphids on snapdragon; 2, aphid parasitized by Aphidiut sp.: 3, wingless aphid; 4, winged
aphid; figures 2, 3 and 4 much enlarged (after Gibson and Ross).

Aphids have sucking mouthparts, conspicuous antennae (feelers) and long
legs. They feed on the tender growth of plants and by withdrawing the juices
cause a distortion of the foliage and young shoots and, in extreme cases, partially
or wholly destroy the plants. Their presence on plants is frequently indicated
by a curled and distorted condition of the leaves. They may also infest and
seriously injure the flowers.

Control. — Aphids may be easily controlled by spraying the infested parts of
the plants with nicotine sulphate (40%). One teaspoonful will make one gallon
of mixture. To this should be added one ounce of soap, dissolved in warm
water.

Dr. Grace H. Griswold* says that the simplest way to control aphids on
house plants is by the use of a 2 per cent free-nicotine dust (see p. 8). The
effect on the aphids is almost instantaneous. The percentage of control depends
largely upon the care with which the dust is applied. If plants to be treated
are covered with a cloth, the dust will be confined and prevented from settling
about the room.

SCALE INSECTS

Among the sucking insects which commonly infest house plants, are several
species of scale insects (fig. 52), known respectively as the soft scale, Coccus
hesperufkm L., a soft, oval, slightly convex, brownish species about one-eighth
of an i nch in length; the hemispherical scale, Saissetia hemisphaerica Targ., in

•Bull. 162, Cornell University; Dec., 1927.

Fig. 52— Scale insects: 1, circular red scale on palm leaf: 2, hemispherical scale on croton; 3, the same on
Boston fern; 4, soft scale; 5, fern scale, males, females and young; 8, tea Male about natural size;
figures 1, 2, 4 and 5 much enlarged (after Gibson and Ross).

general similar to the soft scale; the oleander scale, Aspidiotus hederae Vail.,
circular, nearly flat, about one-sixteenth of an inch in diameter and, in colour'
whitish or light gray; the circular scale, Chri/somphalus aonidum L., similar in
general to the oleander scale, but dark purplish-brown in colour, with a nearly
central nipple-like prominence; and the fern scale, Hemichionaspis aspidistra*
bign., the male of which is white, with three distinct elevations or ridges, and
roughly rectangular in shape, the female being pale brown, inconspicuous and
somewhat pear-shaped.

Scale insects are found on various kinds of house plants, more frequently
however, on such plants as fern, palm, oleander and ivy.

W ith the exception of the soft scale, the above-mentioned scale insects
reproduce by means of eggs which are deposited beneath the scale. The female
of the soft scale on the other hand gives birth to living young. The newly
hatched or newly born larvae, as the case may be, crawl around for a short time,
then settle down on the leaves or stem, insert their sucking mouthparts and
feed on the juices. They cover themselves with a waxv material which forms
the scale or covering. The females remain stationary "throughout their lives.
The males, on the other hand, when they become mature, acquire wings, emerge
from their scale coverings and fly around and fertilize the females.

Control.— Scale insects may be kept under control by sponging or spraying
the plants with common laundry soap, a quarter of a pound to each gallon of
water, or with nicotine sulphate (40%) using about l\ teaspoonfuls to a gallon
of water to which about 1 ounce of soap has been added. It is advisable,
especially in the case of ferns, to wash off the spray material about two hours
after it is applied. In houses where only a few plants such as oleanders, or
strong-leaved ferns are infested, they may be washed with such a soap mixture
by means of a soft brush or cloth, or the plants may be inverted and the stems
and leaves thoroughly doused in a pail containing the soapy mixture. If a piece

of cloth is held tightly around the base of the
plant, the earth in the pot will be prevented
from falling into the pail. Two or three applica-
tions a week apart may be necessary.

As scale insects flourish to best advantage
in a dry atmosphere, palms, rubber plants,
ferns and crotons, should be frequently syringed
with water and should be kept under humid
conditions. It has been observed in the case
of the fern scale, that this insect is of no import-
ance in humid fern houses, and only becomes
troublesome on plants kept in a dry atmosphere,
such as one finds in houses, stores and halls.

MEALY-BUGS

Mealy-bugs (fig. 53) are closely related to
the scale insects and may be found on house
plants in any season of the year. Coleus,
fuchsia, geranium, oleander, orchid and other
plants are attacked. Two species commonly
occur in houses — the common mealy-bug,
Pseudococcus citri Risso, and the long-tailed
mealy bug, P. longispinus Targ. The former
has very short caudal or "tail" filaments, whereas
f,v v? m«i k , th( ' la,t0I *> as its name indicates, has long

U \^t^tS^C^r" filaments-frequently longer than the insect ; s

Gibson and Ross). .«.. body.

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

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.

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).

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.

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

i m

p» pi

\ftJL j*^* :

Ma *

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

V >

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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<s nanus (L) Latr. (authors' illustration).

Control. — Great care should be exercised in removing ticks for if the head
is left embedded in the skin troublesome sores are liable to result. The applica-
tion of raw linseed oil, to which has been added adittle pine tar. is said to cause
the ticks to loosen their hold. In man the tick may lie removed by pulling it
gently and snipping off the piece of skin in which the head is embedded. Touch-
ing the body of the tick with a hot needle also has been found effective in causing
the tick to release its hold. The wound should then l:e treated with iodine or
some other antiseptic.

SPIDERS

There are a large number of different kinds of spiders in Canada. They
are commonly found in houses, particularly in summer homes, spinning their
webs in places little disturbed. Verandahs are particularly chosen for this
purpose.

•Dept. of Agric. Bui. No. 29, New Series, 1923, p. 30,

Most housewives, in fact most humans, dislike spiders even to a marked
degree. As a matter of fact they are interesting creatures, in no way harmful.
Even when handled, spiders which occur in Canada, as a rule do not bite. In
any event, the bite is not to lie compared with that of the mosquito. Their
food consists of flies and other soft-bodied insects. Species frequently sent in
by correspondents belong to the genus Aranea. Three species found commonly
about houses and outbuildings are known as the three house Araneas. Closely
related to the true spiders are the species known as harvestmen or daddy-long-
legs, which frequently are found in houses. They also feed on small insects.
and are quite harmless to human beings.

Control. — Owing to their beneficial habits, we do not recommend their

wholesale destruction. In
houses and around verandahs
they are, of course, not only
objectionable, but the webs
they spin are very unsightly.
Usually, all that is necessary
is to sweep away the webs,
and, if possible, allow the
spiders to depart unhurt. If.
however, more drastic action
is desired, spraying the in-
fested places with the fly
spray mentioned on page 8,
Fig. 85— A paeadoecorpion, enlarged and natural size (original), would, we think, be of vallie.

PSEUDOSCORPIONS

These small active creatures (fig. 85), known
also as false scorpions from their resemblance to
the true scorpions, are occasionally found in houses
in small numbers. As the figure shows, they are
curiously-shaped arachnids, and are rather closely
related to the spiders. In size they are rather less
than one-eighth of an inch in length and, in colour,
brownish. They do no harm in houses, in fact they
are beneficial in habit as they feed on small bisects
such as book lice, discussed on page 50. Under
natural conditions they are found under stones,
beneath the bark of trees, in moss, etc. In houses
they are not infrequently found between the leaves
of books, etc.

THE HOUSE CENTIPEDE, Sruligera forceps liaf.

This centipede, as yet, is not widespread in
< anada, and our records only indicate occasional
infestations. It is a curious fragile-looking creature
(fig. 86) with long, slender legs, the posterior pair of
which are twice as long as the others. The antennae,
too, arc very long and threadlike in appearance.
In colour the house centipede is of a greenish-yellow
shade; specimens which we have received, collected
in Ontario, measured over two inches long with the
legs spread.

The bite of this centipede is supposed to be'
poisonous; otherwise the creature may be regarded
as beneficial as it is known to destroy house flies,

Fig. 86— The house centipede,
natural bum [original).

cockroaches and other insects. We would welcome further records of this
centipede from any of our readers.

SOW BUGS

Sow bugB, or wood lice so-called (fig. 87), are frequently found in houses,
particularly in cellars. They prefer dark situations where decay is taking place.
When full-grown, they are about half an inch in length, dark gray in colour,
and of an oval, flattened shape. They are scavengers, feeding during the night
on almost all kinds of dead or decaying matter.

Control. — In combating
these crustaceans, it is import-
ant to deprive them as much as
possible of hiding places. Old
boxes should be broken up and
burned, in fact debris of any
kind should not be allowed to
accumulate. As a remedy, we
would recommend the following
mixture: Paris green, 1 part by
weight; icing sugar, 10 parts by
weight. The mixture should be
placed where the sow bugs con-
gregate, and when it becomes
encrusted a fresh supply should
be used. It should, of course,
not be placed on vegetables, or
where children or house pets
might reach it.

Fig. 87 — Sow bugs feeding on manure (after Gibson
and Ross).

MILLIPEDES

These creatures (fig. 88), known also as thousand-legged worms, are, some
years, found in noticeable numbers in the cellars of dwellings, particularly
those having earthen floors. Under such conditions they do not, we think, cause

any damage, but their presence is objection-
able. In general they may be described as
rather slender, hard-bodied, worm-like,
cylindrical creatures with numerous pairs
of legs. Their natural food is decaying
vegetable matter.

Control. — The placing, as traps, of slices
of potato, which have been dipped in a
Paris green solution, or dusted with dry
Paris green, near the infestation, is recom-
mended, providing that precautions are
taken to prevent accidental poisoning.
Lumps of dough, sweetened with molasses, may also be used as traps, collecting
them at frequent intervals and destroying the millipedes attracted thereto.

Fig. 88 — A common millipede (after Gibson
and Ross).

THE BROWN OR HOUSE RAT, Rattus norvegieua i.Krxleben)

In 1918 the Entomological Branch published a leaflet on rats and mice.*
This contains valuable information for the householder, certain of which is

repeated here.

•Crop Protection Leaflet No. 7.

The brown rat (fig. 89) invades houses, stores, warehouses, and markets,
and besides destroying fabrics and leather goods, it attacks all kinds of food:
meats, groceries, fruits, vegetables, etc. In town and country it attacks poultry,
destroying eggs and chickens. The foundations of buildings, also are damaged
by its activities. Everywhere it destroys unceasingly, and yet its presence is
tolerated.

Besides the enormous destruction of food supplies, the brown rat is a
serious menace to public health. It is a carrier of bubonic plague, one of the
most devastating of human diseases, which has been carried by the rat all
over the world. In the fourteenth century it is estimated that about twenty-
five million people died in Europe from the "Black Death," as this disease was
called, and 2,000,000 deaths are stated to have occurred during the epidemic
of the plague in India in 1907. Bubonic plague is transmitted from rats to
human beings by fleas, and modern methods of preventing the spread of plague
involve the most vigorous eradication of rats, and the prevention of their landing
in seaports from ocean-going vessels.

Fig. 89 — The brown or house ra1 (original).

Investigations of an outbreak of infantile paralysis (Poliomyelitis), which
was especially prevalent in the eastern United Slates, have indicated that the
rat may be an important factor in the spread of this disease.

Control. — Bats should, be denied access to places where they obtain food
and rear their young. To accomplish this, buildings should be made rat-proo! ;
and the best material of construction for this purpose is concrete. In the con-
struction and maintenance of buildings in which food is kept and rats are likely

to find lodgment, special attention should be paid to the closing of all apertures,
especially in foundations where drain and other pipes enter. Doors to such
buildings should be bound with strung sheet metal. Constant vigilance should
be exercised with a view to checking any inroads of these pests; the holes of
rats or mice can be readily stopped by a little concrete, broken glass or crockery.
Cement should be used for foundations of all kinds of storehouses, granaries.
poultry houses, etc. Corn cribs can be rendered rat-proof by inclosing them in
heavy galvanized wire-netting of half-inch mesh. Storerooms should always be
made rat-proof by the adoption of the foregoing constructional methods.

Civic authorities, and particularly the health authorities, should adopt and
enforce sanitary conditions in towns and cities. Cleanliness and the prevention
of the accumulation of refuse and garbage are essential in the eradication of
rats. The maintenance of garbage dumps is one of the greatest contributing
causes to the abundance of rats. From all points of view the immediate incinera-
tion of garbage is the only proper treatment and method of preventing the
increase of rats and the breeding of flies, both important agents in the spread of
infectious diseases.

One of the most effective methods of destroying these pests is trapping.
The best traps are those of the spring or guillotine type. Such traps may he
baited with any of the foods preferred by these animals, such as meat. fish.
oatmeal, cooked eggs, or fruit. It is necessary to use a large number of traps,
the more the better. The wire cage traps also are excellent when rats are
abundant.

Where there is no danger of food becoming contaminated, or of other
animals eating the bait, poisoning is a speedy method of destruction. The
greatest care, however, must be exercised in the use of poison. In destroying
rats and mite in houses it is inadvisable to use poison, not only on account of
its danger, but because the occurrence of the inaccessible corpses of these
animals is likely to prove objectioi able. Barium carbonate is a cheap, taste-
less, and odourless poison. It may be mixed in a dough composed of four parts
of meal or flour and one part of the poison, or a stiff dough of eight parts of
oatmeal and one of poison.* Water should I e added, when necessary, to make
the 1 ait moist. The poisoned dough should be placed in the runways of the
animals. Strychnine is a well-known and rapid poison, usually used in the form
of strychnia sulphate. The dry crystals of this chemical are inserted in baits,
such as meat or cheese. With oatmeal, or grain such as wheat or corn, it is
used in the form of a syrup which is made by dissolving half an ounce of strychnia
sulphate in a pint of boiling water; a pint of thick sugar syrup is added, and the
whole mixture is stirred thoroughly. Oatmeal should be moistened with the
syrup, and grain should 1 e soaked overnight. Arsenic is used in most rat poisons.
It may be fed in the form of powdered white arsenic, used as described above.
A good bait is prepared by thoroughly mixing one pound of oatmeal, one pound
of coarse brown sugar, and a spoonful of arsenic. This is placed in the runs of
the animals. Phosphorus is a common ingredient of rat and other animal
poisons, but owing to the danger involved in mixing it and in the subsequent
use of the home-made or commercial preparations on account of its inflam-
mability, its use as a rodent poison is not recommended.

During recent years powdered red squill has been used with success in rat
extermination campaigns in the United States, bed squill has the advantage
over other commonly used raticides in that it is relatively harmless to humans
and domestic animals, but, when properly applied is highly toxic to rats. The
following instructions have been summarised from U.S.D.A. Leaflet No. 65,
issued in January, 1931. Chopped fresh fish, canned fish, freshly ground meat,
and cereal, such as oatmeal, corn meal or bran, are recommended as baits, in
preparing the fish or meat baits, mix one ounce of powdered red squill with

The methods of preparing these poisoned baits are those recommended by the Biological Survey of
ttie United states Department of Agriculture.

pnoueh water to make a thin paste without lumps, and add this to one pound
of the fish or meat and mix thoroughly. In making a cereal bait, mix one ounce
of dry red squill with one pound of cereal and then add one pint of sweet milk
or water, stirring thoroughly. , .

It is recommended that fish, meat and cereal baits be used at one and the
same time, to ensure that all the rats are attracted and eat of the poisoned
material. Before distributing the baits an attempt should be made, insofar as
possible to remove or cover other sources of food available to the rats, the
bait should be put out in late afternoon, in small portions about the size Of a
marble, in and about places frequented by the rats. After the lapse of three
days uneaten baits should be collected and destroyed. If, after an interval ^of
three weeks, surviving rats are still noted, distribute baits identical with those
described above, without the addition of red squill, at two-day intervals, to re-
new Hie confidence of the rats. When it is seen that these latter are being ear.,,
readily, all uneaten portions should be removed and fresh baits substituted
containing red squill. This procedure should result in a satisfactory clean-up
of the rodents.

THE COMMON HOUSE MOUSE,* Mus mMseuhuL.

This common household pest (fig. 90) needs no description nor is i) neces-
sary to take space to discuss its habits. Householders are only too familiar Willi
the damage it causes and the kinds of food to which it is specially attracted.
Like the brown rat. it came to North America from abroad.

Fig. 90— The common house mouse (original).

Control.-lW well-known guillotine type of trap (fig. 91) is very us efcd jin
ridding dwellings of mice. Such traps may be baited with cheese, Fried bacon,

~^e authors are indebted to Dr. K. M. Anders,,,,, I ihfcfofthe J****j*$ftg; ^"^ ""
of Canada, for assistance in preparing the discussion regarding various species 01 mi.t.

raw meat, oatmeal or fruit. A combination bait very often used is a mixture of
peanut butter, rolled oats and chopped raisins. A drop or two of aniseed oil
may be added. This bait has been found to be very attractive to all rodents.
If the animals are abundant, a number of traps should be used and arranged in
places where the mice are known to frequent.

Fig. 91 — The common guillotine type of mouse trap (authors' illustration).

DEER MICE

There are several species of deer mice which may eider dwellings and feed
upon foodstuffs attractive to the common house mouse. A common species of
this group and one which has been specially complained of, is the white-footed
mouse, Peromyscus maniculatus (Wagner). It is widespread in distribution,
occurring from Nova Scotia to British Columbia.

Control. — The simple wire traps of the guillotine type discussed on page 79
may be employed to catch deer mice.

THE RED-BACKED MOUSE, CMhrUmomy* gapperi (Vigors)

This mouse, also, is widely distributed in Canada. It is a smaller species
than the meadow mouse, Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord.), with larger and more
conspicuous ears. The hairs on its back are of a rust-red colour, from which
characteristic it derives its common name. It, too, enters houses, readily attack-
ing foods of various kinds. Mr. C. H. Young, of Ottawa, when living at Hurd-
man's Bridge, Ont., not infrequently caught specimens in his home.

Control. — Same as for the common house mouse (see p. 79).

FIELD MICE

The field mice, also known as voles, are familiar to farmers from their in-
juries to grain, roots, etc., and to fruit growers from t lie damage they cause to
apple and oilier trees. Lantz* describes these animals as having "stout bodies,
blunt, rounded muzzles, small eyes and short ears — often completely concealed
by the fur. The tail is short and hairy; the soles of the feet are naked or clothed
with short hairs, and have five or six foot pads (plantar tubercles). The incisors
are broad and not grooved."

The meadow mouse, Microtus pennsylmnicus (Ord.), is a common species
of field mouse, occurring in all the provinces of Canada.

Control. — For the destruction of field mice, causing injury to grain, etc., in
outhouses and barns, the traps used for the common house mouse are of value.
Regarding their control in districts where they cause damage to fruit trees, we
would refer the reader to Dominion Experimental Farms Exhibition Circular
No. 17. and Bulletin No. 55, new series, Dominion of Canada Department of
Agriculture.

•Bull. 31, Biological Survey, US.JDcpt. of Agricul'urc.

SHREWS

Some years small mammals known as shrews are occasionally found in
houses, particularly farm dwellings. While their presence may lie objectionable
to the occupants, as a matter of fact, their entrance is, we think, largely acci-
dental. Their natural food is animal matter, particularly insects, so we may
assume that they are useful creatures and not in any way destructive to any-
thing in the house. The long-tailed or masked shrew, Sorex cinereus Bach.,
and the short-tailed shrew, Blarina brcvicauda (Say), are two common species.

Those who live on farms should know the appearance of the shrews and be
able to distinguish them from the destructive field mice. Brooks,* writing of
the shrews, says that they may very easily be distinguished from the mice by
their pointed nose, small eyes and finer fur. The body of the long-tailed shrew
is much smaller than that of the common house mouse. The short-tailed shrew
has a stouter body than the house mouse and a much shorter tail. Its fur, too,
is decidedly glossy. Owing to their habit of feeding on insects these useful
little animals should be protected.

SQUIRRELS

Country homes, closed during autumn, winter and spring months, are not
infrequently entered by squirrels (fig. 92), and such articles as mattresses,
pillows and cushions are damaged to an important extent. Houses adjacent to

Fig. 02— Tho common red squirrel (original).

park areas are also entered at times. In this connection, complaints have been
received of injury to window woodwork, apparently from attempts made by the

•Bull. 113, West Virginia Univ. Exp. Sta.

animals to regain their freedom. The common red squirrel, Sciurus hudsonicus
(Erxlcbcn), is the species mostly responsible for injury in houses.

Control. — Before vacating summer homes in districts where squirrels are
abundant, it would lie a wise procedure to cover the tops of chimneys and
other openings through which the animals may gain entrance.

BATS

These well-known animals occasionally are undesirable frequenters of attics

of houses. Complaints of this nature are received from time to time with the
request for information to prevent such occupancy. The prevailing prejudice
against bats encourages the average person to adopt any measures that will
destroy them. It should be remembered, however, that these creatures are
decidedly beneficial as their food consists largely of insects, many of which are
destructive pests. Hats are nocturnal in habit, hiding during the day-time in
secluded retreats. It is this habit which takes them to a deserted barn loft or
the attic of a house.

Control. — If these creatures are found occupying the attic of a house, the
obvious procedure is to find the openings through which they enter and to (dose
them either with boards or wire netting. We do not recommend any remedy
involving the destruction of the bats, owing, as stated, to their beneficial habits.

WEASELS

These creatures, which are of common occurrence in Canada, occasionally
enter dwellings and outhouses. As a class they are very useful mammals, owing
to the fact that they are destroyers of destructive species of rodents, such for
instance, as gophers and rabbits. They are, therefore, undoubtedly a valuable

Fig. 93 — A common weasel with captured mouse (original).

aid in the control of such agricultural pests. Mr. Norman ('riddle, a well-
known naturalist, of Treesbank, Alan., who has given these animals considerable
study, informs us that weasels are usually attracted to houses in search of mice,
but when such happens, they may attack meat, if left in an exposed place. In
the Prairie Provinces, the species which are known to enter houses are the long-,
tailed weasel, Mustela longicauda Bonaparte, and Bonaparte's weasel. Mustek
cicognanii Bonaparte.

83
THE HOUSE SPARROW, Passer domesticus L.

The common hotise sparrow (fig. 94) is widely distributed and abundant in
settled parts of Canada and often becomes a nuisance about dwellings. It
befouls buildings and other places it frequents, with excrement, and destroys or
drives away more desirable species of wild birds from the vicinity oi human
habitations, where their presence is most welcome. It feeds on a wide variety
of foods, devouring grain in fields, poultry yards, etc, and causing injury to
fruits and young growing vegetables. It is true that the house sparrow also
feeds on Weed seeds and noxious insects, but its bad qualities far outweigh fie
good.

Control— The methods of controlling the house sparrow advocated by
Dearborn* include the destruction of eggs and nests, trapping, shooting and
poisoning. The latter two measures probably could be safely applied 01113
under rural conditions. Poisoning is a method that should be used with caution

Fig. '.u House sparrows, ma

le and female, on window sill (original 1.

to prevent possible injury to humans, poultry and other useful birds or other
animals. It consists of scattering poisoned gram about the feeding grounds of
the sparrows. Poisoning is said to be particularly effective m winter tune
when snow is on the ground. Dearborn recommends a poisoned bait prepared
as follows: "Put one-eighth ounce of pulverized strychnine into three-fourths ol
a gill of hot water, add 1$ teaspoonfuls of starch or wheat flour moistened with
a few drops of cold water, and heat, stirring constantly t, 1 the mix lire thickens
Pour the hot poisoned starch over on,, quart of wheat and stir until every kernel
18 coated. Small kerneled wheat sold as poultry food, it reasonably clean, IS
preferable to first-quality grain, being cheaper and more easily eaten by the
sparrows. A two-quart glass fruit jar is a good vessel to mix in, as it is easily

•L.S. Farmers Bull. 493, 1912.

shaken If the coated wheat be spread thinly on a hard, flat surface,

it will he dry enough for use in a short time Dishes employed in pre-
paring poison may be safely cleansed by washing."

THE BARN SWALLOW, Hirundo erythrogaslra Bod., and
THE CLIFF SWALLOW, Pelrochelidon hmifrom Say

These well-known birds (fig. 95) which have a wide distribution in Canada,
build their nests, the former usually under shelters of barns and out-buildings,
and the latter in cliffs. Not infrequently, however, the nests are erected on the
sides of dwellings. Occasionally we hear of complaints in this regard, par-
ticularly from people who do not realize the beneficial habits of these birds,

Fie. !)5— Swallows: the barn swallow above, and the cliff swallow below (original).

and also for the reason that at times the swallow bug, winch frequents the nests
of the birds, finds access to the house. The food of swallows consists almost
entirely of insects, such as mosquitoes, and other small species, and for this
reason it is, in our opinion, unwise to interfere with the nest-building habits
of the birds. We would much prefer to encourage these useful birds about farm
and country homes.

INDEX

Adalin tiipuntintn L

A eies spp

Agrotis unicolor Wlk

American cockroach

Angoumois grain moth

Anobium piinetalum DeG .

Anopheles spp

Anthrenus serophulariae 1.

I'\i;e
69
15
67
24
36
52
16
4.3

Anthrenus arbiisci L 39, 44

Ants 26,53

Aphids 54, 66

Apple curculio 59

Apple fruit miner 66

Apple maggot 58

Apple red bug 66

Apple seed chalcid 66

A rnnea spp 75

Army cu t w o r m moth _ BJ

Aspidiotus hedcrae Vail 56, 61

Aspidiotus ostreaeform is ( 'url is 61

_ I ejndiotus pernieiusus ( 'omst 61

, 1 tiagenus piceua 01 39, 43

Atropos puleatoria I. 50

A list ralian roach 25

Barn swallow 84

Hats 82

Bean weevil 38

Bedbug J"

Bee! leafminer »* ■

Beet webworm 68

Bird mite '»

Black carpet beetle or' to

Black carpenter ant 81

Blarina bremcauda (Say) °*

Blatta mil ntalis L •*

Blati II" at niliiniril L **

Bloodworms fi

Blow flies «

Blue-bottle fly ja

Body louse. fl

Body parasites \'

Book-lice 50

Bonaparte's weasel °z

Borax '

Box elder bug ' |j

Brachyrhintis ovatus Ij Ijj;

Broad-bean weevil 2°

Brown rat ' ™

Brown spider beetle 2.!

Bryobia pratensis Garman 73

Budmoth 66

Buffalo carpet beetle ™

( 'ahbage maggot 62

( 'addle 37

Calcium cyanide *

C'alendra granaria L 3.5

( 'nlendra tinjztie I, 34

( California red scale 61

Callipkora rnmitoria L 15

Camel crickets 71

t 'amponotue pennsylranicus DeO 26, 53

( 'a i lion bisulphide

Carbon tetrachloride 6

Carpocapsa pomonella L 5f

Carpet beetles 43

Carrot rust fly 63

todere filum Aube 72

i -making clothes moth 39

( Castor bean tick 74

Cat flea ™

( lave crickets < jj.

CeratophyUus gaUinae Schrank 20

( 'euthophilus spp. <1

( Cheese skipper J5

Cherry fruit, flies 60

Page

CkUoconu liirulm -nis Muls 69

( 7i ion aspis furfura Fitch ol

Chironomid larvae '*

Chloropisca variceps Lw °<

i 'hrysomphalus aonidum L a »

mphulus aurantii Mask "1

( 'igarette beetle j_

Cirnex leetularius L '

C Circular scale Cj„

Clethrionomys gapperi (V igors) »"

Cliff Bwallow *g

Clothes moths »"

Clover mite Li

Cluster fly "'

Coccus hesperidum L "2J

( Cockroaches , 7

( 'odling moth *'

i Common mealy bug j™

Confused flour beetle *L'

Coninomus constrictus Gyll jA

( Convergent ladybird beetle 70

i orn ear worm 64

Conotracht ba m nuphar Hbst 5°

I 'orUcaria ferruginea Marsh 7jS

( lowpea weevil 38

Crab louse j}>

( '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

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

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

<n tidon lunifrona Say 84

Pharaoh's ant 26

I'hlhirus pubis Leach 20

Pit Ha riijidi. L 61

Piophila nisei L 15

Plan! lice 54, 66

Plodia inUrpunctella Hbn 30

Plum curculio 59

l'lulilln mnculip, rnnis Curt 62

Pollenia rudis Fab : . . . 67

Polyckrosia ritennn < "lem t',0

Powder post beetles 52

Pasudococeua eitri Hisso 56

Paeudococcua longispitiua Targ 56

Pseudoscorpjons 75

I'.iiln rosoa Fab 63

Ptimia hrunm us Duft. 36

Ptinua JurL 36

Ptmua rilligir Reit 36

Pulex irritans L 20

PyraHa farinaUa L 35

Pyrauata nubilnlis Hbn 64

Pyrethrum 8

Pyrethrum-kerosene spray 8

Rattus norvagicua ( Kr\!eben) 76

Heal stink beetle 70

Red ant 26

Red-backed mouse 80

Red squirrel 82

Rcdurius personatua L 71

Rhagoletia cingulata Loew 60

Rhagoletia jausta O.S 60

Rhagoletia pomonella Walsh 58

Rhubarb curculio 66

Rice weevil 34

Roughened darkling beetle 70

Rust-red flour beetle 37

Saisaetia hemitpkaerica Targ .')4

San .lose settle 61

Sarcojiti x acabiei 1 >e( 1 73

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
Hi

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

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "Household insects and their control"

See other formats