THE GYPSY MOTH. 101 



one hundred years, it is impossible to predict, as we have 

 no experience with imported pests of a nature sufficiently 

 similar to furnish us any precedent for comparison. Obvi- 

 ously, therefore, it will be folly to place any dependence 

 upon these natural enemies until their value and ability to 

 even partially control the gypsy moth is clearly established, 

 for meantime, if not controlled by the means already well 

 known and which have been found effective, a condition 

 might arise which would make it impossible to cope with the 

 pest and we would be left comparatively helpless in attempt- 

 ing to control it iu woodlands and forests. 



REMEDIES. 



Killing the Eggs. — "No single method of destruction 

 against the gypsy moth is more effective than killing the 

 eggs. The egg masses, wherever accessible, can be killed 

 from August to May by soaking them thoroughly with creo- 

 sote mixture. The creosote may be applied with a small 

 swab or paint brush. In killing gjT)sy moth eggs in high 

 trees, it is usually best to work with two men ; one man to 

 point out the egg clusters from the ground, another to kiU 

 the eggs in the trees. (Figure 11.) Creosote mixture maj' 

 be purchased at agricultural warehouses and seed stores at 

 from 50 cents to $1 per gallon, depending on the quantity. ' ' 



CATERPILLAR DESTRUCTION. 



Spraying. — "Spraying with arsenate of lead at the rate 

 of 10 pounds to 100 gallons of water is very effective when 

 the caterpillars are small. Any of the common hand outfits 

 will suffice for the spraying of shrubs or flowering plants, 

 but for use on trees a barrel pump is desirable. The poison 

 should be thoroughly mixed in water and applied, if pos- 

 sible, on a clear day, in such a manner as to cover the leaves 

 rather slowly, with a fine mist. The foliage should never 

 be drenched with a stream. When the leaves begin to drip 

 spraying should cease at once. Spraying should begin at 

 the top of the trees. The work is most effective when done 



