GRASSHOPPER CONTROL IN MONTANA 



By J. R. Parker 



Assistant Entomologist, iVIontana Experiment Station. 



During the last two years grasshoppers have been very abundant 

 in Montana and there have been numerous opportunities to try out 

 the rather varied control measures recommended in other states and 

 to develop methods of our own. 



As a result of this experience the Montana Experiment Station 

 has found that the two most important methods of grasshopper con- 

 trol are the use of poisoned bran mash and the grasshopper catching 

 machine. 



Preparation and Use of the Poisoned Bran Mash 



The use of mash carrying some form of arsenic has been the most 

 generally used and the most effective and satisfactory control method. 

 It is effective against both young and adult grasshoppers and may be 

 used in all kinds of crops as well as in pasture and waste lands. Ap- 

 plied at the rate of 5 to 8 pounds of prepared mash to the acre, the 

 cost averages from 35 to 50 cents per acre. 



The poisoned bran mash is made according to the following 

 formula : 



Bran 25 pounds 



Paris green or white arsenic 1 pound 



Salt 1 pound 



Cheap molasses or syrup 2 quarts 



Lemons or oranges 6 fruits 



Water enough to make a coarse, crumbly mash. 



Distribute the salt and poison throughout the bran by mixing 

 very thoroughly. Dilute the molasses' with an equal amount of water. 

 Grind the fruits as fine as possible, after which they should be stirred 

 into the molasses and water. The wet and dry ingredients having 

 been mixed separately, should now be thoroughly mixed together and 

 enough more water added to make a coarse, crumbly mash that will 

 break into small flakes when scattered broadcast from the hand. 



When only a small amount of the poison bran mash is needed a 

 galvanized tub makes a good mixing vessel. When a larger amount is 



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