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HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 



its last skin, into the pupa. Finally, this old larval skin 

 splits down the back, disclosing the pupa within. Eventu- 

 ally, the pupa transforms into the adult beetle, which 

 often finds its way to the window panes in search of an 

 exit to its out-door food plants. Some studies made here 

 at Cornell indicate that there is only one generation a 

 year in this latitude, although further 

 observations are necessary to settle 

 this point. L. O. Howard says, 

 "there are, probably, in the North, 

 not more than two annual genera- 

 tions." The earliest beetles appear 

 in the fall, usually during October, 

 and continue to appear all winter in 

 well warmed houses and during the 

 spring months. We have found the 

 pupse in houses in January together 

 with freshly emerged beetles. 



Injuries and methods of control. 

 FIG. 60. Cast skin The larvae when abundant may injure 

 of larva of "Buffalo carpe t s rather seriouslv. They gnaw 



moth. (X 6.) r . * . ' . 



holes an inch or more in diameter in 

 the borders where the latter are nailed to the floor. 

 Sometimes the larvae follow a crack in the floor and cut 

 a slit in the carpet almost as neatly as though done with 

 scissors. They are not only injurious to carpets, but 

 attack woolen goods as well, and even wearing apparel 

 in closets, drawers, and trunks. 



This insect will always be difficult to control in houses 

 having floors completely covered with carpets tightly 

 tacked about the edges. A carpet placed permanently on 

 a floor and allowed to remain there undisturbed for a year 



