216 NEBRASKA STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



PERSIAN INSECT POWDER, 



or Pyrethrum, as it is generally called. This last named insecticide is 

 composed of the finely pulverized flower heads and stems of a com- 

 posite plant which bears some resemblance to the daisy, and is known 

 botanically by the generic name Pyrethrum. Most of the home-made 

 " insect powder" is the product of a California firm, and is put up for 

 market as "Buhach." It is better to use this Buhach than to buy 

 that of foreign make, for it loses its strength with age. Like the 

 arsenites this may be used as a powder and dusted on the plants, but 

 it is perhaps best to put it in water in the proportion of a heaping 

 tablespoonful to two gallons of water. This insecticide kills by con- 

 tact, and not by being eaten. It is a splendid household article that 

 should be kept on hand for emergencies in the warfare against fleas, 

 flies, lice, bed-bugs, etc. To be kept as fresh as possible, a tight box 

 or bottle is absolutely necessary. For house use a small bellows is 

 essential so that the powder can be forced into the cracks and nooks 

 where the insects take refuge. This insect powder is also a splendid 

 remedy against fleas upon the bodies of pets, as cats and dogs. It is 

 also a good plan for travelers to carry some of the powder along to use 

 in self -protection against vermin of all kinds upon the body as well 

 as in sleeping quarters. 



There are other important insecticides that are occasionally resorted 

 to by the economic entomologist or professional "bug doctor" in his 

 many experiments with injurious insects; but these will not receive 

 attention at present. Perhaps, in some future bulletin we will make 

 some mention of them in connection with the insects for the destruc- 

 tion of which they are best suited. 



In conclusion, I wish to state that it is our intention at the Experi- 

 ment Station to continue the investigation of all injurious insect forms 

 found within the state, and therefore ask the co-operation of everyone 

 who is willing to help in this matter. Since it is impossible for us 

 to visit every locality in the state where insect injuries may occur 

 from time to time, there is added, for the convenience of those who 

 are interested, the following directions for sending insects: 



All inquiries about insects, injurious or otherwise, should be accom- 

 panied by specimens, the more the better. Such specimens, if dead, 

 should be packed in some soft material, as cotton or wool, and 



