INSECTS INJURIOUS TO MAN AND IN HOUSEHOLD 653 



Ants may be controlled by exposing poisoned syrup, made 

 according to the directions given on page 608, where they can 

 have easy access to it. The writer has tried this many times for 

 different ants and they have invariably disappeared in a short 

 time. This has been so satisfactory that it seems unnecessary 

 to suggest anything else. 



The Carpet Beetle * 



The Carpet Beetle, the larva of which is commonly called the 

 ' 'Buffalo-Moth," injures carpets and other animal products or 

 fabrics. The adult is a small beetle one-eighth inch in length, of 

 oval shape and dark or black color with lighter markings giving it a 



FIG. 573. The Carpet Beetle. From Riley. 



mottled effect. The larvae are thick, soft-bodied, hairy grubs 

 found in and about the food materials. Eggs are laid on the food 

 and eggs, larvae and pupae will be found in or near the food while 

 the adults leave the houses and fly to flowers at times. 



A similar species, darker in color and without the light markings, 

 is the Black Carpet Beetle (Attagenus piceus Oliv.). 



Control measures consist in taking up carpets and rugs and 

 beating and airing them. Thorough sweeping of the floors 

 followed by treatment of the cracks with gasoline will kill the 

 young which may be present. Fumigation or heating will be 

 found to be effective. The substitution of rugs for carpets is 

 advised. Where this is not desirable protection for the carpets 

 can be secured by placing building paper under them and dusting 



* Aaihrenus scrophularice L., Family Dermestidx. 



