64 



METHODS OF CONTROL. 



Living as white grubs do, underground, and often at a very con- 

 siderable depth below the surface, it is obvious that it is a matter of 

 extreme difficulty to reach them with insecticides. Gas lime has been 

 suggested for this purpose, and good results have followed the experi- 

 mental use of bisulphid of carbon and kerosene enmlsion against allied 

 species. 



Kerosene eimilsion is an effective remedy where small areas, such as. 

 beds of strawberries grown for home consumption, are affected. It 

 should be diluted about ten times, and poured over the surface of the 

 ground about the Infested plants. It is well to make the application 

 just before rainfall, that it may be washed deep into the soil, so as to 

 come into direct contact with the larvse. If rain does not fall within 

 a day or two after its application a copious watering should follow. 



It is to be regretted that both the bisulphid of carbon and kerosene 

 emulsion remedies are too expensive for use on a large scale, but white 

 grubs ma}' be effectually killed off on lawns and in small fields and 

 gardens bj^ the use of the latter. 



Fall plmoing. — Everything considered, the most useful remedj^ is 

 found in fall plowing. The land should be thoroughl}" broken, so as 

 to leave it loose, and the grubs and their parents, the Ma}^ and eTune 

 beetles as well, exposed as much as possible to the elements during 

 the winter. This is particularly vakiable in cold weather, as the white 

 grubs are not able to withstand exposure to a severe frost. A cross 

 plowing is sometimes advisable where there is severe infestation. 

 This will insure the ground being often disturbed, and if it is kept 

 clean of weeds and other vegetation the grubs will be held in nearly 

 complete control though not exterminated. Summer fallowing of 

 infested land is said to be useful. 



Rotation of crojhs is also valuable in connection with fall plowing. 

 In case infested meadow land is desired for the planting of beets, corn, 

 strawberries, or other crop subject to severe injuries by white grubs, 

 an application of fertilizer, such as nitrate of soda or kainit, put on as 

 a heavy top dressing after the ground is prepared and before planting, 

 has proved of benefit in some cases. 



Domestic animals. — Chickens and turkeys, as well as several species 

 of insectivorous birds, are efficient destroyers of white grubs, and 

 much good may be accomplished b}^ encouraging domestic fowls to 

 follow in the furrows to pick up the grubs as thej' are turned up by 

 the plow. Hogs, as is well known, are also exceedingly fond of white 

 grubs, and if allowed the run of localities where these are abundant, 

 after the crop is made, they will root up the ground and devour great 

 numbers of them. These and many wild animals also kill and devour 

 the beetles when they have opportunity. 



