652 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



is the best standard poison and repellant. If this be dusted in 

 all cracks and hiding places every few days and the treatment 

 be kept up for several weeks, the roaches will be entirely killed 

 or driven away. All control measures available should be put 

 into use at the very first sign of roaches on the premises. If this 

 is done no heavy infestation can occur. 



The common roaches belong to four species. The Oriental 

 Cockroach (Blatta orientalis L.) is of European or Asiatic origin. 

 The German Roach (Blatella germanica L.), was also introduced 

 from Europe while the Australian Roach (Periplaneta australasia 

 Fabr.), comes to us from Australia. The fourth species is the 

 American Roach (Periplaneta americana L.), the largest species 

 and a native one. No essential difference in their habits is to 

 be noted. 



House Ants * 



Ants of several species have been troublesome pests of man 

 as far back as history gives any records. They destroy food and 

 render it unfit for use and at times actu- 

 . . , ally attack man. There are several 



fj 4r^%^H species. 



I I I 7^ I Th8 Little Red Ant ' ( Monomor i um 



\ f I 1 1 J 7 pharaonis Linn.,) is the smallest species 



and perhaps the worst. It makes its 

 nests under houses or in the ground 

 nearby and is often difficult to get at. 

 The Little Black Ant, (Monomorium 

 minimum Buckley,) is larger and darker 

 in color, being about three-sixteenths of 

 FIG. 572. The Little Red an inch in length while the previous 

 Ant. From Riley. species is not more than half that length. 



The black form generally makes its nests outside the house 

 where they are more readily accessible. 



The Argentine Ant (see page 631), has already been discussed. 

 It is the most serious pest among the ants where it occurs. 



The Black Pavement Ant, (Tetramorium c&spitum Linn.,) is 

 much larger than the others, some individuals being nearly one- 

 half inch long. It is frequently found in houses but is never as 

 numerous as the smaller species. 

 * Family Formicidce. 



