MONTANA INSECT PESTS, 1947 AND 1948 21 



INSECTS INJURIOUS TO STORED PRODUCTS 



GRAIN INSECTS 



In the past the most important insects infesting stored grain 

 and cereal products in Montana have been the confused flower 

 beetle (Triholium confusum) , the flat grain beetle {Laemophloeus 

 minutus), and the sawtooth grain beetle (Oryzaephilus suri- 

 namensis). Inspections made during the winter of 1947-48 revealed 

 that many elevators and farm granaries were infested with these 

 insects. In all cases, it was found that the infestations were brought 

 about by either improper storage facilities or by storing grain with 

 too high a moisture content. 



Although infestations of these insects occurred in all parts of 

 the state, the largest number of infestations were found in the 

 northwest section of Montana. No granary weevils {Sitophilus 

 granarius) were found during the survey. 



HOUSEHOLD INSECT PESTS 



CEREAL INSECTS 



An unusually large number of requests for identification and 

 control of household cereal insects has been received in the State 

 Entomologist's office during the last two years. The most prevalent 

 of these pests seem.s to be the confused flower beetle {Triholium 

 confusum) , and the flat grain beetle (Laemophloeus m,inutus) . 

 These have been recorded infesting flour and other cereal products 

 stored in the home and they are common all over the state. 



OTHER HARMFUL INSECTS 



TERMITES (Isoptera) 



There has been a marked increase in the number of requests 

 received in the State Entomologist's office for information con- 

 cerning termites and their control. These requests have come from 

 every section of the state with the exception of the northeast 

 counties. Considerable damage to flooring and studding in homes 

 was observed in Glendive and Billings. It appears that damage 

 attributed to these insects is becoming more common from year 

 to year. 



DERMESTIDS (Dermestidae) 



These insects occur commonly over the state and have been 

 reported causing damage to food, clothing, carpets, and furniture. 

 Dermestids have apparently been especially noticeable during 

 1948, particularly in the vicinity of Great Falls. 



