-3- 



can be applied now. The target date for spraying in the central area is after June 

 15; in the northern section, after June 30. Control bagworms while they are small 

 and easy to kill. Once they become half -grown or more, insecticide spraying often 

 fails . 



For control, apply a spray containing diazinon, malathion, or Bacillus thuringiensis 

 (Biotrol, Dipel, Thuricide, and others). Follow the directions on the label. Do not 

 use malathion on cannaert red cedar. Do not use diazinon on ferns or hibiscus. 



Several gnat -like insects that swarm are reported to be biting farmers and other per- 

 sons spending time out-of-doors in northwestern Illinois. The problem is most severe 

 in areas near a river or a stream. We have no positive identification on the insect 

 as yet, but we suspect that they are black flies (sometimes called southern buffalo 

 gnats). When they bite, they inject an anticoagulant (a protein-base substance) that 

 can cause severe itching and swelling of the affected area in sensitive individuals. 

 There is also the possibiltiy that tiny "no seeums" are also involved. The black fly 

 bite is usually not felt while the "no-seeums" bite feels like a small pin prick. Black 

 flies commonly bite during the day; "no seeums" bite mostly in the early evening. 



Little can be done for protection. The repellents used against mosquitoes are general- 

 ly not effective against these small flies. Wear protective clothing (long-sleeve 

 shirts with high collars , or sweat shirts , long pants , socks , and hat) . Around the 

 home or in recreational areas, using a spray of malathion over tall grass and other 

 shrubbery may be of some help. Relief could be just around the corner, since the black 

 fly season usually lasts only a few weeks. 



SPECIAL NOTE TO PESTICIDE APPLICATORS 



The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recently taken a stand on tank mixes of 

 pesticides (mixing two or more pesticides in the spray tank at the time of applica- 

 tion) . The U.S. EPA states that tank mixes and serial applications (repeat treat- 

 ments) fall into one of three categories : 



1. Those tank mixes that have instructions provided on EPA- registered product labels 

 for serial applications" A common example would be Alfatox (a mixture of diazi- 

 non and methoxychlor) , used to control alfalfa weevils. Other examples would be 

 the commercially prepared fruit and vegetable sprays and dusts that contain two or 

 more pesticides. These uses can be continued. The U.S. EPA accepts the responsi- 

 bility for their use. 



2. Tank mixes covered by a state registration . The State of Illinois registers only 

 those pesticide labels having U.S. EPA approval; therefore, this category would 

 NOT apply in Illinois. 



3. Various tank mixes and serial applications that are recommended by a state or are 

 commonly used in that state for agricultural purposes" ! These uses can be continued 

 ITi 



a. the products in the mix are applied at a dosage rate not to exceed the label 

 instructions for use of any product in the mix used singly for the same set of 

 insects on the same crop; AND 



b. if the label on one or more of the products does not explicitly instruct 

 against such mixtures. 



