June 2, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.TV, 



503 



Entomological Notes, 



WM. B. dURNEY, 



Assistant Entomologist. 



Beetles Attacking Furniture and Woodwork. 



Heports having been received during the past few months of furniture and 

 woodwork having been attacked by beetles, some methods of treatment 

 recommended ai-e given below. After furnitui-e has been made up, frequently 

 tiny holes appear, while 

 small piles of wood dust 

 may be seen below. A 

 c-ommon cause of this is the 

 grubs and adult beetles of 

 Lyctus hrunneus (Fig. 1). 

 Similar att^icks by beetles 

 of the genus A vohium are 

 made in furniture, wains- 

 coting, itc, and the follow- 

 ing methods of treatment, 

 to be applied according to 

 circumstances, are given : — 

 Benzine, or benzine and 

 carbolic acid mixed, 

 painted on the surface 

 (polished surfaces 



treated will be spoilt, 

 and need repolishing). 

 Chairs and such small 

 articles may be enclos- 

 ed and fumigated with 

 hydrocyanic acid gas. 

 The inside of ward- 

 robes, or even entire 

 rooms, may also be 

 fumigated with this 

 gas, which will destroy 



numbers of the beetles. The gas is a deadly poison, and requires careful use. 

 Painting flooring boards and woodwork affected with a corrosive sul)]imate 

 or arsenic solution is recommended to poison the beetles boring 

 into or out through the surface of the woodwork. (One ounce 

 corrosive sublimate dissolved in a pint of methylated spirits and 

 mixed with about 5 gallons of water — care must be taken in the 

 m-tual handUng of this poisonous solution ; or }, lb. white arsenic, 

 1 lb. washing soda, in 8 or 10 gallons water.) 



:'V':;* 





ii '■ 







Fig. 1.— A Furniture Beetle 



(Lijct iin full iniviis) 



and damaged woodwork. 



