INSECTS. 123 



THE INDIAN-MEAL MOTH. 



Another moth, known as the Indian-meal moth, 

 because its caterpillar infests the meal of Indian 

 corn, is very common in many parts of the United 

 States. 



It is a well-known fact with those using corn 

 meal that it will not keep long in summer, but 

 becomes stringy. This stringy substance is caused 

 by the small caterpillars of this insect spinning 

 large quantities of silken threads, to which the par- 

 ticles of meal adhere. They also deposit a great 

 amount of excrement, which makes the meal unfit 

 for human consumption. No amount of sifting 

 will thoroughly clean it. 



There are also many other moths and beetles 

 that damage flour and grain, but their habits are so 

 similar to the ones already given that a descrip- 

 tion here is not necessary. 



HOW TO KEEP OUT INSECTS. 



Granaries, bins, and storehouses for grain should 

 be lined with tight-fitting boards, then painted or 

 whitewashed to stop up as many cracks as possible. 

 After removing the grain at the end of each sea- 

 son, they should be carefully swept, cleaned, and 

 repainted, or whitewashed. No crevices should 

 be left as lurking places for insects. Doors should 

 be tight-fitting, and other openings carefully 

 screened. Thorough cleanliness will go far to 



