162 ELEMENTARY LESSONS ON INSECTS 



potted geranium will be convenient for the purpose; or an 

 infested apple twig may be kept in a vase of water under a 

 bell-jar. A written report of things seen should name the 

 plant used, and the group to which the predatory insect 

 belongs — whether aphis lion, syrphus fly larva, or ladybird — 

 and should describe the method of attack upon the aphids. 



II. Household Pests 



1. Injuries to woolens, etc. — Search such a place as attics, 

 closets and unswept corners in garages for scraps of dis- 

 carded woolens and fur, and you will be likely to find pieces 

 that are heavily infested with larvae of clothes moths (small, 

 nearly naked-skinned caterpillars) or of carpet beetles (small 

 hairy-skinned grubs), or of both. Observe that the feeding 

 is all upon wool, cotton being entirely avoided. 



Treatment. — Put the infested scraps in a tight box, and 

 pour in a little carbon bisulphide (see page 146) and close 

 the box over night. Observe next day what has been the 

 effect on the larvae. 



2. Injuries to stored food products, cereals, beans, etc., by 

 meal worms, flour moth larvae, bean weevils, etc., may be 

 treated in the same way. 



III. Body pests 



A little diplomatic searching might possibly find some 

 fleas or bedbugs for treatment. 



For specific directions as to treatment, dosage, times, and 



