MONTANA INSECT PESTS, 1955-1956 19 



RED CEDAR APHIDS (Lachnus sabinae) 



Only one report of this pest was recorded for the biennium. This 

 was from Dillon in 1955 on Juniperus sp. 



A SPRUCE RARK REETLE (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) 



This pest attacked ornamental plantings of spruce in the Yellow- 

 stone Valley in Park County. 



SPRUCE RUDWORM (Choristoneura fumiferana) 



Extensive infestations of this defoliating insect occurred in south- 

 western and central mountain areas of the state. Some of these 

 infestations subsided naturally; others were sprayed out. A few 

 ornamentals, especially in southwestern Montana, were infested but 

 easily controlled with DDT. 



SPRUCE LEAF MINER (Taniva albolineana) 



Only one infestation of this pest was noted. Spruce in Pondera 

 County suffered some damage in 1956. 



DESTRUCTIVE HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 



CARPET REETLES (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) 



Dermestids appear to be the number one destructive pest of 

 household furnishings in the state. Since these insects feed on many 

 things and are capable of withstanding wide variations in conditions 

 they are particularly hard to exterminate. During the biennium in- 

 quiries regarding these pests have been received from practically all 

 parts of the state. It is becoming evident that DDT is not as effective 

 as was formerly thought. To control these insects chlordane and 

 dieldrin will be recommended in the future, along with frequent house 

 cleaning. 



TERMITES (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) 



Many more cases of termites than usual have been reported during 

 this biennium. In 1955 several inquiries from northeastern Montana 

 were received. In 1956 houses in Fallon, Fergus, Lewis and Clark, 

 Deer Lodge, and Stillwater counties were found to be infested. In some 

 cases damage was extensive. 



CARPENTER ANTS (Camponotus sp.j 



Carpenter ants do not feed on wood as do termites but do con- 

 siderable damage by burrowing into the wood for nesting sites. Summer 



