Report of the State Entomologist. 2f^9 



If the tree is small, and the scales not generally distributed over it, 

 they may be scraped off and gathered upon a sheet spread under- 

 neath, so that the eggs may all be destroyed instead of being left on 

 the ground to hatch and allow the young to ascend the trunk. 



If the scales are confined to the trunk and lower j^art of the main 

 branches, and a proper spraying apparatus is not accessible, the 

 insects may be killed with a soft-soap solution, provided that it be 

 used at the proper time. 



The time of all others when the insect is the most vulnerable is during 

 the early period of its existence — for about a week after hatching 

 from the egg and previous to the time that it has attached itself to 

 the bark and developed its scale-covering. This is usually late in 

 May or the early part of June, and a number of observations have 

 shown it to be contemporaneous with the opening of the apple 

 blossoms. At this time, careful examination will show thousands of 

 the young lice slowly moving over the bark and appearing to the 

 naked eye as little white specks. They are so delicate at this tender 

 age that the friction alone of a stiff brush would kill all the insects 

 with which it came in contact. 



Prof. Cook, who has had large experience with this pest, has told 

 the story of just how he has successfully fought it in the orchards of 

 the Michigan State Agricultural College, at Lansing. The account he 

 gives of his method is so decidedly practical that it merits a wide 

 publicity : 



The old remedy, soft soap, or a strong solution of the same, will 

 surely vanquish this enemy if it is applied in early June and again 

 three weeks later. • I have proved the efficacy of this treatment over 

 and over again. The trees at once put on new vigor, and in a short 

 time only dead lice are to be found. To apply this specific, I know of 

 no better way than to use a cloth and scrub by hand. To be sure, we 

 can, if dainty, use a brush like a shoe-brush, but I like to go at it 

 with a good cloth, when, with sleeves rolled up, I make pretty sure 

 that no louse escapes. 



For the past few years I have added to the soap, crude carbolic 

 acid, which I think improves it, especially if but one application is to 

 be made. I heat to the boiling point one quart of soft soap to two 

 gallons of water, and while still hot, thoroughly stir in one pint of 

 crude carbolic acid. {Bulletin No. 14 of the Agricultural College of 

 Michigan. 



In Saunders' Insects Injurious to Fruits, it is recommended that after 

 every effort has been made to destroy the insect while in the scale, in 

 order to complete the work, the hatching should be watched, and 

 while the larvae are active, the twigs should be brushed with a strong 

 solution of soft soap and washing soda, or syringed with a solution of 



