ROM TEXAS TO THE ATLANTIC, in scattered 
localities, the Argentine ant, in dark brown 
hordes, attacks gardens, ruining orchard and truck 
crops, and swarms into the houses, making condi- 
tions in some cases so unbearable that their inhab- 
itants leave. 
The pest is carried by rail in foodstuffs, and since 
its original introduction, presumably from Brazil, it 
has been distributed about the country until infesta- 
tions occur throughout the South, with a separate 
group of infestations in California. It may also be 
carried by floods, such as take place in the Missis- 
sippi Valley, the ants forming themselves into a com- 
pact ball which floats to safety. 
In the warm spring weather the Argentine ant is 
particularly annoying in households, and thorough 
methods for its control should be undertaken at that 
time. On page 6 will be found a formula for a 
tree-banding mixture that will protect the trees of 
the nurseryman and orange grower. Various meth- 
ods for isolating food in the house and a satisfactory 
ant poison to be used as a protection within doors 
and without are also described. 
Contribution from the Bureau of Entomology 
L. O. HOWARD, Chief 
Washington, D. C. March, 1920 
