152 ELEMENTARY STUDIES IN INSECT LIFE 



or to some object near by. It emerges as a moth about 

 three weeks later. The moth flies in an irregular man- 

 ner, but can run well over clothing w T hen disturbed. 

 The moth prefers darkness, and successfully conceals 

 itself in dark folds of the garments or in crevices when 

 disturbed. 



Unfortunately, there is no good method of prevent- 

 ing the damage done by these insects. Constant vigi- 

 lance and frequent inspection are demanded whenever 

 these insects become troublesome. The various repel- 

 lents, such as camphor, moth-balls, tobacco, etc., are of 

 little value if the garments are alreadv stocked with 



o v 



eggs, since these will hatch and mature regardless of 

 the odor. The moths, however, are repelled from de- 

 positing their eggs while these odors are strong. But 

 if the moths are inclosed with garments protected by 

 these repellents they will naturally lay their eggs and 

 the destructive work of the larva will soon begin. The 

 remedy which seems to be the most satisfactory, though 

 attended by a good deal of trouble, is to sun and brush 

 thoroughly all winter clothing, then place away in large 

 boxes such as tailors use, and seal the boxes up by 

 gumming a strip of wrapping-paper around the edges 

 so that the boxes will be completely sealed up and leave 

 no cracks. In this way the insect is denied entrance, 

 and therefore no damage is done. 



The Cockroach. - - Then there is the wary and trouble- 

 some cockroach. So well known are they as to make 

 a description unnecessary. Various poisons, such as 

 phosphorus paste spread on cardboard and placed in 

 the runways of the roaches, have been used with fair 



