342 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



beetles are found by mid-July, so that there are undoubtedly two 

 generations in that latitude, as the beetles have been found pairing 

 and with well-developed eggs in Delaware, August 1st. In the 

 latter part of the season the beetles feed on the blossoms and 

 pollen, particularly of squash, rarely touching the foliage. With 

 the first frosty nights they seek shelter under the fallen leaves and 

 enter hibernation with the first killing frosts. 



Control. For a few plants or where the beetles are unusually 

 abundant, coverings of netting have long been used to protect 

 the plants. A barrel hoop cut in two, crossed, and the ends 



fastened to another hoop, 

 and the whole then covered 

 with netting, makes an 

 admirable cover, often sold 

 by dealers. Two stout wires 

 bent into arches and crossed, 

 may also be covered with 

 netting, the lower edge of 

 which is held by earth 

 packed over the edges. Or 

 cone-shaped covers may be 

 fashioned out of wire screen- 

 ing and kept from year to 

 year. (See Headlee, I.e.) 

 Many growers obviate loss of plants and the necessity of 

 replanting by sowing the seed in rows rather thickly and then 

 thinning out to the desired distance after the worst injury by the 

 beetle is passed. Others make several plantings in each hill at 

 intervals of a week, but the former plan will ensure earlier growth. 

 The growing of rows of early beans to act as a trap-crop has 

 been suggested, as the beetles will gather on them, it is said, and 

 having an abundance of food will not injure the cucurbits. Squash 

 may be effectively used in this way as the beetles are peculiarly 

 fond of the quick-growing squash seedlings. A week or ten days 

 before the regular crop, plant rows of squash seed around and 

 through the prospective field, and plant more rows when the regu- 

 lar crop is planted. If the main crop be kept well dusted or 

 sprayed as advised below, the beetles will concentrate on the trap- 



FIG. 289. Wire screen cover for young 

 cucurbs. (After Headlee.) 



