INSECT 



SURVEY 



BULLETIN 



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College of Agriculture 



University of Illinois 



and Natural History Survey, Urbana, Illinois 



State / County / Local Groups / U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 



March 23, 1968 



INSECT SURVEY BULLETIN NO. 2 



This series of weekly bulletins provides a general look at the insect situation 

 (fruit insects excepted) along with suggested, abbreviated control measures. Each 

 individual should check his own fields to determine local conditions. Before ap- 

 plying insecticides , read the labels carefully and follow all precautions. This 

 will not only insure personal safety, but will also prevent residue hazards. 



This week was National Poison Prevention Week, but attention should be focused on 

 the problem for all year long. In agriculture, the next 3 to 4 months are the 

 most critical, since the majority of insecticides used on farms will be applied 

 during that time. We constantly repeat, "Read and follow the label." 



These are precautions to follow when handling insecticides: 



1. 



2. 

 3. 

 4. 

 5. 

 6. 

 7. 



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Wear gloves 



Avoid breathing dust or spray by wearing an appropriate mask 



Wear goggles ^u..^ ut 



Do not smoke p^ „ c, \<tf$ 



Wash carefully after use 



Wash clothes each day 



If insecticides are spilled on your clothing, change to clean clothes immedi- 

 ately 



8. Store insecticides away from livestock feed, and always store insecticides in 

 their original containers 



These and many other warnings can and are listed as precautions, but above all 

 think first and handle insecticides with care. Carelessness can be fatal. In 

 agriculture , the record is good. We have had only one accidental death from a 

 pesticide used in commercial agriculture since 1960- -there need be no more. 



Unfortunately, pesticides are not used as carefully by homeowners, and small chil- 

 dren are the ones who suffer the most. Be sure to store and place insecticides 

 where children cannot get to them. Each year in Illinois, 2 to 4 people die from 

 pesticides as a result of carelessness and there are about 750 cases (mostly chil- 

 dren) of accidental ingestion of pesticides. 



One way to avoid insecticide accidents in the home is to keep insects out. As an 

 example, most ants live outdoors, as do crickets, centipedes, and spiders. They 

 crawl up over the foundation and into your home. You can keep them out by apply- 

 ing 2-percent chlordane to the foundation and to a 2- to 4-inch band of soil 

 around your home in April or May and again in August. This will control these 



