MONTANA INSECT PESTS, 1949 AND 1950 27 



RED SPIDER (Tetranychidae Family) 



In 1949 red spiders were numerous on evergreens, roses, and 

 other ornamentals throughout most of the state. Very few red 

 spiders were reported or observed in 1950. This perennial pest 

 of many ornamentals is readily controlled by a thorough appli- 

 cation of tetraethyl pyrophosphate sprays. 



CONIFERS 



BLUE SPRUCE GALL APHID (Adelges cooleyi) 

 Pine cone like galls at the tips of spruce twigs which are 

 caused by the blue spruce gall aphid have been noted practically 

 everywhere in the state. Benzene hexachloride sprayed just prior 

 to the opening of the buds or tetraethyl pyrophosphate sprayed 

 just after the buds are open readily control this gall former. 



SPRUCE LEAF-TIER (Epinotia nanana) 

 In its feeding process the spruce leaf-tier hollows out the 

 spruce needles. It then ties these hollowed out needles into a 

 group, leaving unsightly groups of needles hanging on the tree. 

 These insects were reported in Custer and Toole counties in 

 1949 and in the Townsend area in 1950, 



SPRUCE BUD WORM (Archips fumiferana) 

 During the last biennium the spruce bud worm was reported 

 in Ravalli and Toole counties. It is readily controlled by a spring 

 application of a 1% DDT spray. 



PINE LEAF SCALE (Chionaspis pinifolioe) 

 The pine leaf scale which infests spruce as well as pine is 

 prevalent throughout all of Montana, Many inquiries have been 

 received regarding this insect from most areas of the state during 

 the past two years. The pine leaf scale is readily controlled by a 

 spring application of dormant oil sprays. 



DESTRUCTIVE HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 

 CLOVER MITES (Bryohia praetiosa) 

 Clover mites are perennial household pests throughout most 

 of Montana, having been reported on many occasions during the 

 last two years. These small eight-legged arachnids make a spring 

 and fall migration into houses. As far as is known, they cause no 

 damage in the household, but their presence is disconcerting to 

 housewives. Spray applications of tetraethyl pyrophosphate around 

 the house, in the areas where clover mites occur, prior to the 

 spring and fall migrations usually solves this problem. 

 CLOTHES MOTHS (Tineidae Family) 

 Clothes moths commonly occur throughout all the state. They 

 are readily controlled with a proper spray application of 5% DDT 

 or chlordane. 



