CUTWORMS AND ARMY-WORMS 299 



are transplanted, they may be protected by using cardboard 

 or tin cylinders sunk a short distance in the soil. Tin cans 

 with the top and bottom removed are convenient for this 

 purpose. Greenhouses often become infested by cutworms 

 in the rotted sod used in the beds. This may be prevented 

 by sterilizing the soil by steam before using. 



Probably the most practical, cheap and convenient method 

 of cutworm control is the use of poisoned baits. These may 

 be employed equally as well in the home garden, greenhouse 

 or in the field. For general field work, a bait made according 

 to the following formula has been found effective against the 

 variegated cutworm and others of similar habits : 



Bran 20 pounds 



Paris green 1 pound 



Molasses 2 quarts 



Oranges or lemons 3 fruits 



Water 3i gallons (about) 



The dry bran and paris green are thoroughly mixed in a tub 

 or similar receptacle. The juice of the oranges or lemons is 

 squeezed into the water; the remaining pulp and peel are 

 chopped into fine bits and added to the water. The molasses is 

 dissolved in the water and the bran and poison wet with it, 

 the mixture being constantly stirred so as to dampen the mash 

 thoroughly. Only enough water should be used to just moisten 

 the mash but not enough to make it slopp3^ 



This quantity of bait will treat about three acres. The 

 material should be scattered broadcast evenly over the in- 

 fested area at nightfall. If applied during the day, it dries 

 out and is not then attractive to the cutworms. In the garden 

 or greenhouse a small quantity of the bait may be placed near 

 each plant. 



Another formula which has given excellent results in western 

 Canada is as follows : 



