HE so-called peach borer, the larva of a beautiful clear- 
winged moth, has been for upward of 150 years one 
of the principal drawbacks to the successful cultivation of 
the peach. It feeds on the soft inner bark at the base of 
the tree, or on the adjacent roots, seriously injuring and 
frequently killing the trees attacked. 
Few American insects have been more experimented 
with by entomologists and others than the peach borer, 
but until recently no very effective or practical method of 
control had been discovered. As a result of experiments 
begun by the Bureau of Entomology in 1915, it was found 
that this pest could be largely destroyed by the application 
around the base of infested trees of a volatile poison known 
as para-dichlorobenzene. This bulletin treats briefly of the 
life and habits of the insect; of the “‘worming’’ method of 
destroying the borers, suitable where only a few trees are 
to be treated; and of the para-dichlorobenzene method for 
use on trees 6 years of age and older. The chemical has 
already come into large commercial use with excellent 
results when applied according to directions. 
Orchardists proposing to use para-dichlorobenzene for 
the peach borer are urged to employ only the pure chemical, 
which should be obtained of a fineness of granulated sugar 
or coarse salt. 
Contribution from the Bureau of Entomology 
L. O. HOWARD, Chief. 
Washington, D. C. October, 1921 
