190 INSECT PESTS OF FARM, GARDEN AND ORCHARD 



there is any probability of grain being infested, it should be kept 

 tightly covered in the spring so as not to permit the spread of the 

 moths to the fields. 



Prevention of " Weevil " 



Undoubtedly grain-insects can usually be more successfully 

 combated by a proper housing of the grain. No matter how often 

 the insects are destroyed in a granary, if the remainder of the barn 

 is full of dust, sweepings, and refuse, as it generally is, on which 

 the beetles can feed and in which they will breed, and if the gran- 

 ary is not absolutely tight, as soon as the gas passes off the insects 

 from the barn will again enter the granary, and soon it will be as 

 badly infested as ever. 



Cleanliness. " Cleanliness will accomplish much toward the 

 prevention of injury from these pests, the cause of a great propor- 

 tion of injuries in granaries, mills, elevators, and other structures 

 where grain and feed are stored being directly traceable to a dis- 

 regard of neatness. Dust, dirt, rubbish, and refuse material con- 

 taining sweepings of grain, flour, and meal are too frequently per- 

 mitted to accumulate and serve as breeding-places for a multitude 

 of injurious insects. 



" The floors or corners and walls of the barn or storehouse 

 should be frequently swept, and all material that has no commer- 

 cial value burned." 



The Granary. " The ideal farmer's granary, from the stand- 

 point of insect ravages, should be built at some distance from 

 other buildings, and the rooms constructed of matched floorings 

 so as to be as near vermin-proof -as possible. The doors should fit 

 tightly, closing upon a rabbet, which may be covered with felt or 

 packing, and the windows covered with frames of wire gauze to pre- 

 vent the passage of insects. The floor, walls, and ceilings should 

 be smooth, so as not to afford any lurking-places for the insects, 

 and it would be well to have them oiled, painted, or whitewashed 

 for further security. A coating of coal-tar has been strongly recom- 

 mended for the latter purpose." 



" The value of a cool place as a respository of grain has been 



