14 



Although the use of standard bran in baits is somewhat more ex- 

 pensive than the use of sawdust, it has given the highest and most 

 consistent kills under all conditions in experimental plot tests. Fur- 

 thermore, crickets are known to feed readily on the standard bran 

 bait even after it has become dry. ^ For this reason the effective 

 period of the bait is lengthened considerably. 



Although the formula containing 3 pounds of sodium fluosilicate 

 has not been used on a large scale, the results obtained during 1939, 

 which included trials against both nymphs and adults under rather 

 unfavorable conditions, indicate conclusively that the amount of 

 poison can be reduced to 3 pounds without reducing the efficiency of 

 the bait. 



In areas of mixed grasshopper and cricket populations where grass- 

 hopper control is the more important, or for crickets alone during 

 extremely dry weather, the cost of control may be reduced by using 

 the following formula: 



Mill-run bran 25 pounds 



Sawdust Q/i bushels 



Sodium fluosilicate 3 pounds 



Water 8 to 10 gallons 



Mixing the Bait 



In using either formula all the dry ingredients should be mixed 

 thoroughly and then sufficient water added to make a wet mash which 

 will spread readily without lumping. The exact amount of water 

 needed will vary according to the character of the bran and sawdust 

 used. 



Spreading the Bait 



Bait should be spread in the morning on bright, sunny days while 

 the crickets are migrating. It is useless to spread bait during cool 

 periods when the crickets are clustered or in shelter or during the 

 heat of the day when they are roosting on brush and other vegetation. 

 Occasionally early-afternoon baiting is effective if the first migration 

 of that day has just started. Baiting late in the afternoon is not 

 recommended. 



All bait should be spread at the rate of 10 pounds (dry weight) 

 per acre, either with mechanical spreaders or by hand. 



Precautions 



Even though sodium fluosilicate is known to be less toxic to warm- 

 blooded animals than arsenicals, precautions should be taken to keep 

 the bait away from livestock and irresponsible people. When spread 

 at the recommended quantities there is absolutely no danger to live- 

 stock or game birds. Workers in mixing stations should avoid breath- 

 ing the dry sodium fluosilicate dust. 



SUMMARY 



Dusting with sodium arsenite powder mixed with a suitable diluent 

 has been the basic method of Mormon cricket control since 1927. 

 Various objectionable features in this method brought out the neces- 



