[G3] Report of the State Entomologist. 159 



seen or heard of anything like them, and do not know how to get rid 

 of them." 



The trouble is probably caused hy a small red mite related to the 

 red spider of the- greenhouse which not unfrequently invades houses 

 in the manner described by our correspondent. It apparently feeds 

 on green vegetation, and the warm sunshine of early spring brings it 

 out of its winter quarters to search for food. 



The above, together with a subsequent communication to the Ohio 

 Farmer, given' below, were submitted to me for further reply. My 

 answer covering, as far as could conveniently be done, both inquiries, 

 was published in the Ohio Farmer of April 13, 1889. 



Eds. Farmer. — The small red mites desci'ibed in a late number of 

 your paper, have made their appearance in couailess numbers in our 

 house, for three successive years, each yeox increasing in numbers. 

 How can we get rid of them? We ai'e more interested in the cure 

 than in the natural history of the pest. An early reply will greatly 

 oblige us. ' Mrs. E. H. C. 



Bloomingdale, Mich. 



In all instances like the present, of any unusual occurrence of a 

 pest, particularly when they infest our homes and seriously interfere 

 with our comfort, it is quite desirable that a scientific determination 

 of the species be made, in order that the circumstances attending the 

 invasion, may become a part of the life-history of the insect or the 

 creature. While a remedy for the intrusive guests may be all that is 

 desired by their host, yet the scientist deems it quite important that 

 he should know the particular species for which he is asked to pre- 

 scribe a remedy. Treatment that may be fatal to one member of a 

 genus may be harmless to another. I would therefore esteem it a 

 favor if Mrs. E. H. C. would send me examples for identification, if 

 they are still to be found, of the mite, about which inquiry is made. 



So far as we may judge from the features and habits of the mite, as 

 given in the iesue of the Ohio Farmer on page 214, it is probably a 

 species of Bryobia, one of the " harvest mites," belonging to the family 

 of Troml/ididce, and related to the common " red spider," Telranychus 

 felarius of our gardens, house-plants, and greenhouses. 



Notices of Swarming Mites. 

 The above mite may have been the same species that was reported 

 to me on June IGth last, as occurring in the vicinity of Albany, N. Y., 

 in large numbers in a house that had been newly lathed, plastered 

 and painted, but of which no particulars were given. Another occur- 

 rence, of perhaps the same mite, during the month of May, in Susque- 

 hanna county. Pa., was noticed by me in the Country Gentlemen of 



