82 DESTRUCTIVE INSECTS OF VICTORIA : 



The larvae, or grubs, although small, play great havoc 

 with the timbers. This family of beetles is closely allied 

 to the so-called Weevils or Curculionidce ; and are fairly 

 numerous in tropical countries, where they do damage, not 

 only to 'timber when growing, but also to joists and beams 

 in houses and to furniture. I am indebted to Messrs. Lea 

 and Froggatt for data in connexion with this pest. 



In Masters' catalogue of Australian beetles, 3 species 

 are listed, but some of these may be importations from 

 the East. Dejean gives 24 species from the tropics, but 

 at the present date 100 species must be nearer the mark. 



Prevention and Remedies. 



All timbers coming here, especially from the East, 

 should be carefully examined by an entomologist, before 

 being permitted to be removed from the wharfs. 

 "Upon the first signs of the existence of the pest, the timber 

 should be " held up " for treatment. 



Spraying with corrosive sublimate, carbolic acid, pre- 

 servative oil, or other such material, will be effective. 

 In cases of small consignments, fumigation with cyanide 

 of potassium in gas form or bi-sulphide of carbon may be 

 resorted to. Timber which is too far gone to treat success- 

 fully should be at once rejected. We cannot be too careful 

 in regard to foreign shipments, as, once the pests are 

 introduced, they usually come to stay. 



