CARBON DISULPHID AS AN INSECTICIDE. 19 



DESTROYING WOOD-BORERS. 



Much has been written concerning the use of carbon disulphid to 

 destroy borers in wood. It is evident that only the Larger borers 

 Avhich work in the trunks and larger branches of valuable shade and 

 fruit trees will be good subjects for this work. Usually there are 

 few of these large borers in a trunk, and the outlets to their burrows 

 are marked by the "saw-dust" and castings which they throw out 

 from them. In attempting this treatment, first close all burrows 

 with a clay plug and after a day or two re-examine them to see Avhat 

 burrows are really occupied. Clean-cut, empty holes in the trunk 

 are likely to be only the exit holes from which insects have emerged, 

 so it would be a waste of time and materials to treat such cavities. 



METHOD OF TREATMENT. 



Having cleaned out the mouth of the hole as well and deeply as 

 possible, roll a small wad of cotton on a toothpick, wet it with 

 disulphid, push it into the caA'ity as far as possible, and immediately 

 close the hole tightly with putty or, better, with grafting wax. Only 

 a drop or two of liquid is likely to be needed and it should not be 

 applied so as to run down into the burrow as a liquid. The vapor 

 should penetrate to the farthest part of the cavity and destroy any 

 stage of the borer that may be present. 



A similar method has been used very successfully by the writer in 

 desiroying borers that were working in a piano. No treated burrow 

 was ever opened. 



TREATMENT FOR CLOTHES MOTHS AND FOR OTHER HOUSEHOLD 



INSECTS. 



The various insects which commonly infest woolens, felts, furs, etc., 

 often can be conveniently and surely destroyed by carbon disulphid, 

 which will destroj^ all stages of the pests that may be present. In 

 keeping woolens, felts, and furs, therefore, it is good practice to place 

 them in a whole cotton bag (pillow case), tying it up tightly, and 

 then store in a tight paper-lined trunk, a large packing box, or some 

 such receptacle. (A water-tight barrel will do well.) "ViTien all are 

 stored apply the disulphid, putting one-half cupful of the liquid 

 into a shallow dish to evaporate or pouring it directly upon the 

 materials if staining will not injure them. Newspapers or wrapping 

 paper then should be spread over the top and the receptacle closed 

 tightly. If the box is really tight there will be no further trouble, 

 but to be on the safe side it is well to repeat the treatment once or 

 twice during the summer. The odor disappears quickly when the 

 articles are hung out in the open air again. 



