CHAPTER XIV 



SPECIAL PROBLEMS OF IXSECT CONTROL 



The life histories of insects lie at the fouiulatiou of the Avliole subject of 

 economic entomology, and constitute, in fact, the principal part of the sci- 

 ence., for until these are clearly and completely made out for any injurious 

 species, we cannot possibly tell when, where, or how to strike it at its 

 weakest point. — S. A. Forues 



Control of insects by a communit}^ or nation nnist depend 

 upon each citizen knowing the inipijrtant species and actually 

 dohig his part. Insects are so small, tough, and hard to kill, 

 and, above all, possess such powers of rapid dissemination and 

 increase, that the problems of insect control are probably the 

 most difficult in the whole field of living forces. However, in 

 the life history of a species from the egg, through the actively 

 feeding larval stage, in the quiescent pupal condition, or in 

 the adult, egg-laying period, it is generally possible to discover 

 some weakest jx/int at which it may be successfully attacked. 

 To work out these life histories, discover these vulnerable 

 points of attack, and devise best ways and means is the 

 function of our scientific experts ; but, in order that these 

 discoveries accomplish their purpose, the people nuist learn 

 and use the results. 



Organization for both research and information is so perfect 

 that if any one \\^ishes to know aljout an insect he has onlv to 

 inquire of his State Experiment Station or of the United 

 States Department of Agriculture at Washington. If the 

 answer to liis question is known, it will be sent to him prac- 

 tically l)y return mail. If not, a special research may be 

 ordered to solve the problem. 



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