METHODS OF EXTERMINATING THE TEXAS-FEVER TICK, 
INTRODUCTION. 
The eradication of the cattle tick (Margaropus annulatus) from the 
Southern States is a problem of prime importance to the agricultural 
interests of that section. Moreover, the good that would result from 
the elimination of the tick would not be entirely confined to the region 
directly concerned, and thus the matter assumes to a certain degree 
a national importance. 
A number of valuable papers on the life history of the cattle tick, 
its habits, and methods for its eradication have been published by 
the United States Department of Agriculture and by various investi- 
gators in the States included within the infested region. Some of 
these publications are rather extensive and include much that is only 
of scientific interest, while others, of a more practical nature, are not 
available for general use. The present bulletin is prepared with the 
view of bringing together from these various sources information of 
practical value relating to the tick and its eradication, for the use of 
the farmer or stockman who has begun or who contemplates under- 
taking the complete extermination of this pest from his farm. Some 
unpublished results of investigations carried on by the writer in con- 
nection with the cooperative work between the Zoological Division 
of the Bureau of Animal Industry and the veterinary department 
of the Alabama Polytechnic Institute have also been taken into 
consideration. 
REASONS FOR ERADICATING THE CATTLE TICK. 
There are various kinds or species of ticks occurring on cattle in the 
Southern States, but the one that chiefly concerns us here is that 
commonly called the “cattle” or ‘‘Texas-fever”’ tick ( Margaropus an- 
nulatus). It is the one most frequently found on cattle and is much 
more abundant than the other species. When the losses occasioned 
by this parasite are once thoroughly understood by farmers and 
stockmen there will be little need for arguments in favor of tick 
eradication. Some of the losses are not directly noticeable and 
consequently make little impression, while other losses properly 
chargeable to the tick are frequently attributed to other causes. 
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