Grasshoppers of Kansas. 45 



Artificial Means of Control. 



In applying preventive measures the destroying of the eggs seems to 

 be the only one that proves to be practical. Many of the egg pods may be 

 destroyed by exposing them to the weather and birds, by disking, harrow- 

 ing, or in some way cultivating the soil to a depth of two to three inches. 

 All waste lands, roadsides and other places that may be reached should 

 be cultivated during the winter or early spring. Alfalfa fields have been 

 found to profit by such cultivation. Not only are the grasshopper eggs 

 destroyed or exposed, but the yield of alfalfa is often increased to quite 

 an extent. 



After the grasshoppers have hatched from the eggs one must resort to 

 other methods. Of these measures of control the most practical and im- 

 portant ones will be discussed briefly. 



THE HOPPERDOZER. 



The use of the hopperdozer, although practical and effective, is limited. 

 It can be used only in such fields as alfalfa and other low crops. In the 

 beet fields it does not prove very satisfactory, and in the corn fields it can 

 not be used after the corn has reached a height of twenty inches or more. 

 Neither can it be used in grain after the grain has headed out. In alfalfa 

 fields, however, I have. observed very effective work with the hopperdozer. 



Especially good results may be obtained if, at the time when the crop 

 is cut, strips of alfalfa six to fifteen feet wide are left standing at in- 

 tervals of fifty to seventy-five yards. The hoppers congregate on these 

 strips, and with several trips back and forth with the hopperdozer most 

 of the 'hoppers are caught. This method of leaving strips is also very 

 effective and economical in poisoning. The strips may be cut down in a 

 day or two after the poisoning or after using the hopperdozer. 



POISONED BAITS. 



A number of poisoned baits have been recommended and tried, but the 

 one that we found to be the most satisfactory is known as the poison bran 

 mash. This bait is made as follows: 



I. — 2V% lbs. Paris green or white arsenic. 

 50 lbs. bran. 

 Mix these dry. 

 II. — 6 lemons, chopped up fine, rind and all. 



4 quarts syrup. 



5 gallons water. 



Mix these three together thoroughly. 



Mix I and II, then add sufficient water to make a wet mash. 



Early in the morning, between five and seven o'clock, this poisoned bran 

 should be scattered broadcast in the infested areas. It is of great im- 

 portance to get the poison out early, as the 'hoppers eat it better when 

 first beginning to feed. 



The morning was found to be the best time to apply the mixture. It 

 does not dry as fast then, and the grasshoppers are more eager for food, 

 and are, therefore, more easily attracted to it. It should be scattered 

 broadcast, using three to five pounds of the mixture to the acre. 



