CHAPTER XVII 



Insecticidal Materials and Practices 



By C. R. Crosby 



The results secured from the use of an insecticide or fungicide depend 

 upon the operator. Timeliness, thoroughness, and persistence are the 

 watchwords of success. It is easier to keep an enemy away than to 

 drive him away. The worst foes are often the smallest ones ; and the 

 injury is often done before they are detected. Be ready; begin early. 



General Practices 



Cleanliness. — Much can be done to check the ravages of insects by de- 

 stroying their breeding-places and hiding-places. Weeds, rub- 

 bish, and refuse should be eliminated. 



Hand-picking is often still the best means of destroying insects, despite 

 all the perfection of machinery and of materials. This is partic- 

 ularly true about the home grounds and in the garden. The cul- 

 tivator should not scorn this method. 



Promoting growth. — Any course that tends to promote vigor will 

 be helpful in enabling plants to withstand the attacks of plant- 

 lice and other insects. 



Burning. — Larva? which live or feed in webs, like the tent-caterpillar 

 and fall web- worm, may be burned with a torch. The lamp or 

 torch u.sed in campaign parades finds its most efficient use here. 



Banding. — To prevent the ascent of canker-worm moths and gypsy- 

 moth ratcrpillars, various forms of sticky bands are in use. For 

 this purpose there is no better substance than Tree Tanglefoot. 

 It may be applied directly to the tree-trunk, but when so used 

 leaves an unsightly mark and requires more material than when 

 the following method is used : — 

 First place a strip of cotton batting three inches wide around 

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