INSECT PESTS AND THEIR CONTROL 149 



earth. In some places they are particularly 

 numerous, and we have known of instances where 

 20 per cent, of young plantings have been de- 

 stroyed by them. A few insects will cause grave 

 damage in a nursery. 



They can be easily caught at night if searched 

 for with a light. The offer of a small reward for 

 all insects brought in by the labourers will result 

 in the destruction of large numbers. 



Mealy Bug. This pest is present in the country, 

 but not to any great extent. It is a small insect 

 covered with a white cottony web. It is allied to 

 the Aphids, and similar remedies will control it. 



White Ants. These insects are very numerous 

 in Uganda. They have so far not proved very 

 destructive to our crops. Probably Eubber trees 

 have suffered most, but healthy trees seem safe 

 from attack. We often notice white ants climb- 

 ing the stems of Para trees, and eating away any 

 lichen or rough bark on them. They do not eat 

 into the live bark. There is very little doubt that 

 in most cases where damage has been done, the 

 tree was previously injured in some other way. 



The Ant-hills should be dug out all over the 

 estate. The destruction of the Queen Ant usually 



