April, '10] IIERTZOG : -CKtARETTE BEETLE" 201 



machine. A large funnel from two to six feet in diameter was at- 

 tached to the suction machine by means of a hose. The machine 

 contained a fan or bellows which was run by the motor. Lights 

 were fastened to the rim of the funnel. When the current was 

 started, the fan caused a strong suction, drawing in dust and insects 

 from the funnel end, while the insects were blown out at the other 

 end into a screen cage, which was attached to the receiving end. The 

 size of the funnel depends on the power of the motor. The funnel 

 may be shifted to cover more space. The entire apparatus may be 

 mounted on a truck and moved by one man while another man shifts 

 the funnel while the apparatus is moved along a row of cases. A 

 funnel six feet in diameter, with sufficient power, will draw insects 

 into it over an area of twelve to fifteen feet. By this method two 

 persons have gathered over a pint of beetles in a single night. The 

 method no doubt is a great help in keeping the numbers down, but 

 it does not get at the root. It gives many beetles a chance to mate and 

 lay eggs before they are captured. It is not thorough enough and only 

 a part can be partly treated at a time. It may also be added that it 

 is rather an expensive process, especially when electric lights are 

 used. The method was used because the proprietors feared that 

 fumigation would deteriorate the quality of tobacco. Comparing the 

 above and fumigation, we must say that the results are decidedly con- 

 spicuous and in favor of fumigation. Although the latter costs more, 

 it is very much more satisfactory. In the fumigated house practically 

 no beetles were evident after the middle of September, while the 

 other house was full of beetles until cold weather set in. The tobacco 

 was also full of worms or larvi^. 



One packer had intended to keep his tobacco at a low temperature 

 of about 40°F. Since the larvs are dormant in cold weather, it was 

 thought that they could be starved. In order to do this it would have 

 been necessary to equip the building with ammonia pipes. But when 

 a contractor stated it would cost about $15,000 to $20,000 to simply 

 install the plant, not counting running expenses, the plan was aban- 

 doned, especially so because the plan would have only been aia 

 experiment. 



Steaming tobacco in the sweat room is sufficient to kill the pest in 

 all stages. It ought to be kept in the room for two or three weeks 

 at a temperature of about 120° to 140° F. Tobacco thus treated is. 

 free from the pest until reinfested. If the egg is not killed outright, 

 its hatching is hastened and the young lar\'a is then readily killed. 

 Eggs normally hatch in about ten days. Unfortunately if tobacco 

 is thus treated it may become reinfested during summer, the eggs. 



