14 THE FLORIDA BUGGIST 
he finds himslf surrounded with an unlimited supply of food 
that has escaped his ravages in the field this prolific insect im- 
mediately sets to work to finish the job. When the good house- 
wife opens the bank or storehouse she finds that Mr. Weevil and 
his large family have been enjoying the fine pile of provisions 
so conveniently stacked up for him, and she is exceedingly for- 
tunate if she can find any of the vegetables that are fit for 
consumption. Should she happen to place an infested potato in 
the pot or oven by mistake, the one who attempts to eat it will 
immediately decide that he doesn’t want any dinner anyway, 
and will probably leave the table in a frame of mind similar to 
‘the taste in his mouth. 
Unfortunately this insect has already been found in eight 
counties of Florida—Baker, Brevard, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, 
Broward, Dade, Monroe, and Sanibel and Captiva Islands in 
Lee. Years ago it was reported in Manatee County, but recent 
investigations have failed to find any traces of it there. It also 
infests other Gulf States and the West Indies. In this country 
it seems to confine its major activities to a belt of about 70 
miles from salt water, which would include all of Florida, but 
outbreaks may occur considerably beyond this belt. Infested 
shipments of sweet potatoes have been intercepted at Key West 
and Tampa, coming from Cuba. 
In sections where the sweet potato root weevil has become 
well established, particularly in Florida, it is practically impos- 
sible to produce sweet potatoes commercially ; and one may con- 
sider himself fortunate if he can produce enough for table use. 
When we consider. the fact that everything in the nature of 
food is now at a premium, and that the sweet potato is one of 
the staple food products of this state (particularly for the man 
of moderate means) we can readily understand how very se- 
rious the general dissemination of this pest may become. It is 
of extreme importance that the further distribution of this 
insect be stopped NOW, and that some method of exterminating 
it in the sections already infested be adopted. 
Fortunately, the insect does not travel very far of its own 
volition. It can, however, be sent any distance in infested 
potatoes, draws or slips. Infested areas should be placed under 
a strict quarantine; no vines or slips should be moved from 
these areas under any circumstances; and potatoes which are 
stored or sold should be fumigated with carbon bisulphide. Care 
should be taken to store potatoes at some distance from any 
