210 PESTS OF GARDEN AND FIELD CROPS 
The most important means of control is a thorough cleaning up of 
the cotton fields as soon as the crop is gathered, together with destruc- 
tion of all stalks, dead bolls, and crop remnants. At this time the 
existing adult beetles are not yet ready to hibernate, and there are 
many grubs and pup@# in the field that would later become beetles, 
coming out at the normal time of hibernation. These immature 
stages are thus destroyed, and the adults, left with no cotton plants 
to feed on, are for the most part starved, 
or are unable to get to suitable places to 
spend the winter. In destroying the stalks 
it is best to plow them out, leaving a row 
now and then, at once raking the loose 
plants to the standing row and burning 
the entire lot. 
Early in the season, when it is seen 
that squares are being badly punctured, 
and are dropping off in large numbers, a 
chain drag may be drawn between the 
rows so as to draw the squares into the 
middles, where they will get the full force 
Fic. 262.— Pupaof the Cot- of the sun. Most of the grubs within will 
ton Boll Weevil. Enlarged be killed by the heat. 
and natural size. Original. - 
It is possible to poison a large percent- 
age of the adult weevils by applying powdered arsenate of lead to 
the squares with a blower or powder gun, making the first applica- 
tion as soon as squares begin to form, and repeating as necessary. 
Any practice that will help to get the cotton planted and matured 
early will greatly help to avoid serious injury, because the cotton 
will then be well along before the weevils have become numerous. 
Thus, winter plowing, early spring planting, and the use of early ma- 
turing varieties, together with frequent cultivation in the growing 
season, are advisable. By this means the plants are stimulated 
to quick, vigorous growth, and escape serious attack at the period 
when they are more susceptible to injury. 
