INTRODUCTION vii 



The book has been written particularly for the house- 

 keeper and for those who desire to obtain information 

 regarding household pests and practical methods of 

 controlling them. As few technical terms as possible 

 have been used. . Nevertheless, painstaking efforts have 

 been made toward accuracy of statement. To make the 

 work of value to the student, references to literature 

 have been given and the lack of knowledge regarding 

 the life histories and habits of many of these common 

 pests has been pointed out with the hope of stimulating 

 investigation. The author has drawn freely on all 

 available sources of information and has often quoted 

 extensively from various writers. 



Most of the illustrations are original. They have 

 been drawn from actual specimens principally by 

 Miss Anna C. Stryke, Miss Catherine Kephart, and 

 Mr. John Eyer. To these the author is greatly in- 

 debted for their careful and accurate delineation. 

 Whenever it has seemed more advantageous, figures 

 have been copied from various sources but full credit 

 has always been given. The writer is also under deep 

 obligation to his wife, Nannie B. Herrick, who has read 

 the manuscript and proof and has made many helpful 

 suggestions and constructive criticisms. 



GLENN W. HERRICK. 

 ITHACA, NEW YORK. 



