NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 6l 



material was 60 and 40 per cent respectively, examined every 48 

 hours, though when the material was left for a period of 26 days, 

 the ratios were 47 and 53 respectively, a nearly complete reversal 

 of earlier conditions. The time from the hatching of eggs until the 

 appearance of the first adult in Mr Chapman's work was as fol- 

 lows: middlings 37 days, sizings 39, low grade 38, tailings 38, 

 bran 38, rye flour 39, barley flour 38, corn flour 40 and rice flour 

 47 at approximately 78 degrees F. 



The confused flour beetle and several of its associates occur in 

 such a variety of foods as to make control very difficult, particularly 

 in situations where farinaceous materials are allowed to collect in 

 crevices or inaccessible shelters. It is of first importance where 

 practicable to eliminate nearby breeding places, since if this is not 

 possible invasion of valued food products is almost certain to 

 result, whether this be in a home or mill. 



The possibility of introducing infested material should not be 

 overlooked. This is particularly likely to occur with cereals from 

 infested grocery stores or mills and even the shipping of uncleaned 

 flour sacks or other containers may produce the same result. It 

 is very easy to destroy insects in the latter, according to Mr Chap- 

 man by placing the empty sacks in an ordinary baker's oven and 

 raising the temperature to about 450 degrees F. for a period of 5 

 minutes provided the sacks are not over three layers deep. They 

 should be protected from scorching by being placed on pans or 

 boards to keep them from coming in direct contact with the oven. 

 The same treatment is effective in freeing boxes and other 

 containers. 



Infested cereals in packages may have been invaded by the insects 

 prior to being put up or the trouble may be due to a defective type 

 of package or breaking of the container. Well-sealed packages of 

 cereal can not become infested if the material is clean when packed. 



The experience of recent years has demonstrated the efficacy of 

 killing these pests by the use of heat, a minimum temperature of 

 120 degrees F. being necessary. This treatment is ordinarily safer 

 and more satisfactory than fumigation with either hydrocyanic acid 

 gas or carbon bisulphide, both very dangerous and with a limited 

 efficiency, particularly in ordinary buildings which are far from 

 gas tight. 



