CONTROL OF INSECTS IN TOBACCO 13 



retail establishments, as well as in manufacturing plants. A package 

 covered with paper, cardboard, foil, or cellophane and effectively sealed 

 is protected from cigarette beetle attack. Unfortunately, however, 

 few packages in commercial use today are adequately sealed. Eggs 

 laid on a package hatch into tiny larvae, which often crawl around and 

 through the folds of the wrapping, or penetrate almost microscopic 

 holes or cracks in the package to reach and infest the contents. 



Cigars are often held in open trays or boxes for 4 or 5 weeks 

 for aging — an excellent opportunity for infestation. 



CONTROL ON THE FARM 



Sanitation 



Once an infestation has developed in a farm packhouse, the farmer's 

 simplest course is to grade and market the tobacco as quickly as possi- 

 ble. However, he can do a lot to prevent an infestation. As soon as 

 the crop is graded and sold, the packhouse and grading room should 

 be thoroughly cleaned, even the walls brushed down. All scrap tobacco 

 should be hauled away and scattered thinly over the fields or destroyed. 

 No seed, feed, or fertilizer should be stored in the packhouse. In the 

 spring when the moths emerge, they will fly away in search of material 

 in which to lay their eggs. The young larvae from such eggs as may 

 be laid in a clean packhouse will die for lack of food. If grain or feed 

 is stored in the packhouse, the moth will breed in this material until 

 tobacco is harvested. 



Use of Residual Sprays 



A thorough application of 5 -percent DDT spray to the Avails and 

 ceiling of the packhouse early in the spring (during April in central 

 North Carolina and Virginia) can be beneficial. DDT spray residues 

 will kill the moths that rest on the sprayed surface for a sufficient time. 



Use of Space Sprays 



If an infestation develops and it is necessary to hold the tobacco 

 for more than 2 or 3 weeks, it may be desirable to spray the air space 

 inside the packhouse with pyrethrum in oil once or twice a week. 

 The spray should contain 0.2 percent of pyrethrins in a light volatile 

 oil. Manufacturers' specifications for a suitable oil are as follows : 

 Maximum specific gravity at 60° F., 0.797; flash point, 175°; color- 

 less ; and no kerosene odor. Such spray may be bought ready mixed, 

 or the farmer can readily mix it himself, using pyrethrum concentrate 

 and the oil. 



This spray creates only a slight fire hazard when prepared as di- 

 rected, and is relatively harmless to man. No open flames, such as 

 oil lanterns or lamps, and no smoking should be permitted in the 

 packhouse while it is being sprayed. The spray should be applied 

 as a very fine mist and directed so as to fill the air space. Thorough 

 spraying is important. 



