THE COMMON MEALYBUG IN CALIFORNIA. 9 



in figure 3. The rods for spraj'ing the inside and lower parts of the 

 trees should not exceed 6 feet in length. 



Mealybug infestation is confined in large part to the fruit, espe- 

 cialh' that toward the inside of the tree. It is recommended that 

 the inside of the tree be sprayed first, starting at the lower part and 

 moving upward, and then finishing over the outside of the tree. 

 Especial effort should be made to spray the top of the tree, where 

 the insects are most likely to escape treatment. Trees more than 10 

 feet in height should have their tops sprayed from a platform on 

 the sprayer or from a light tripod ladder which can be carried fi:om 

 tree to tree. The nozzle should be moved rapidly about the tree^ the 

 spray being directed against both sides of the leaves, against the 



Fig. 3. — A type of nozzio well ailaptod to ineal.\ 



fruit from at least two directions, and in all crevices which may 

 harbor mealybugs. Thoroughly to spray a citrus tree 10 to 15 years 

 old usually requires fully 20 gallons of material. 



SEASON FOR SPRAYING. 



Insecticidal sprays of the strength required to destroy the common 

 mealybug may be applied safely to citrus trees in California only 

 during the cool months of the year, when the fruit is either maturing 

 or has been picked. This season generally extends from November to 

 April, though the months of greatest plant resistance to sprays are 

 December, January, and February. It is unsafe to apply the insecti- 

 cidal sprays advocated in this bulletin when the temperature is above 



