434 Other Management of the Vegetable- Garden 



Bed-spider (Tetranychus telwrius). 



The red-spider is not an insect; it is a minute web- 

 spinning mite, varying in color from yellowish to greenish 

 or reddish, that infests the underside of the leaves of 

 many plants. The mites puncture the leaves, causing small 

 light-colored spots. When abundant the leaves become 

 whitish, shrivel and die. 



In the greenhouse, the number of red-spiders can be 

 reduced by spraying with clear water, using a nozzle that 

 gives a stiff spray without drenching the beds. In the 

 open, spray with " Black Leaf 40 " tobacco extract, % 

 pint in 100 gallons water in which 5 or 6 pounds soap have 

 been dissolved. 



Blister-ieetles. 



Elongate long-legged beetles of various colors that often 

 attack vegetable crops in swarms are known as blister- 

 beetles. As far as known the larvae feed on grasshopper 

 eggs. A dozen species have been reported as attacking 

 vegetables. 



Blister-beetles are difficult to control because they are 

 injurious in the adult stage. They are resistant to poisons 

 and move readily from plant to plant. On plants on which 

 it is safe to use an, arsenical spray, at the first appear- 

 ance of the beetles spray with arsenate of lead (paste), 

 3 or 4 pounds in 50. gallons water or with 1 pound 

 paris green in 50 gallons water, adding 1 po^nd lime 

 to prevent burning of the foliage. In the case of 

 choice plants it might pay to screen them with mosquito 

 netting. 



