22 MONTANA EXPERIMENT STATION BULLETIN 484 



ing of the grain and fumigation was necessary in many cases. 

 Treatments with pyrethrum synergist dust were also effective. 

 In 1952 the grain was harvested in normally good condition and 

 less difficulties with stored grain pests are anticipated. 



Extensive programs were conducted during the second year of 

 the biennium in cooperation with the Food and Drug Administra- 

 tion's program of preventing animal contamination of cereal and 

 cereal products to be used for human consumption. These ex- 

 tension programs were carried out through regional meetings and 

 publications of proper methods of handling stored grain. 



Frequent inquiries were received regarding the control of 

 household cereal insects. These infestations are readily eliminat- 

 ed by destroying the infested cereals, cleaning up the storage 

 areas, and spraying these areas with either DDT or chlordane. 



ANTS (Formacidae family) 

 Ant infestations which occur generally in and around house- 

 holds throughout the state are readily controlled with 3 to 5 per- 

 cent chlordane sprays. Spray application on the outside of the 

 foundation around the house in the early spring and again in mid- 

 summer with 5 percent chlordane has been found in most cases 

 to effectively prevent ant infestations inside of the house through- 

 out the entire summer. 



FLIES (Muscidae family) 

 There is more evidence, though not conclusive, that resistant 

 strains of flies are occurring in Montana. Reports of resistant flies 

 have been received from commercial exterminating companies. 

 Some of these have been checked and at least in some cases poor 

 control is the result of normal late season influxes of fly popula- 

 tions. This was particularly evident in 1952 when a comparatively 

 long warm fall season was experienced. 



COCKROACHES (Blattidae family) 

 Only a single inquiry regarding cockroaches was received 

 during the biennium. This inquiry was from Lewis and Clark 

 County in 1951. Apparently, as is the case with several household 

 insects, the chlorinated hydrocarbons are doing such a good job 

 of cockroach control that inquiries are few in spite of the prevalence 

 of the insect. 



BED BUGS (Cimex lectularius) 

 Three infestations of bed bugs were reported in 1951; these oc- 

 curred in Blaine, Hill, and Jefferson counties. No reports were re- 

 ceived during 1952. It is assumed from past experience that bed 

 bugs are far more prevalent in the state than these reports would 

 indicate. 



