50 MISC. PUB. 5 2 6, IT. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



for use on plantings varying from one-half acre to many acres, depend- 

 ing upon the size of the machine. Hoods or cloth trailers are often 

 used behind the machine on low-growing crops to obtain better plant 

 coverage and to reduce (often by as much as one-half) the quantity 

 of dust required. 



Figure 13. — A power duster in operation. When poisonous dusts are being used, 

 the operator should use full face and respiratory protection. 



CARE OF INSECT-CONTROL DEVICES 



Proper care of spraying and dusting equipment is essential to 

 assure satisfactory performance and long life, especially during the 

 present emergency. All equipment should be kept clean. 



Sprayers. — Unused spray material should be drained from spray 

 pumps and hose at the completion of a job. The tank, hose, valves, 

 and nozzles should be thoroughly flushed with clean water and the 

 pump run for a few minutes to rinse thoroughly and remove all the 

 insecticide. Unless this is done, these parts and connections may 

 corrode or become clogged. Spray equipment should be kept in a cool, 

 shady place tp avoid rapid deterioration of gaskets, hose, and other 

 parts. During cold weather the pump, tank, and hose should be 

 drained of all excess liquid to avoid freezing and breaking, or the 

 sprayer should be stored in a warm place. All unpainted metal parts 

 that are subject to rusting should be well oiled or greased. Wooden 

 tanks should be stored in a damp place or clean water kept in them 

 (except where freezing temperatures occur) to prevent drying out and 

 shrinking. 



It is advisable to have extra hose connections, pump gaskets, cup 

 leathers, valves, valve seats, plungers, and other working parts on hand 

 for prompt replacement in case a break-down occurs. 



Dusters. — Dusters should be kept in a dry place, and, if used irreg- 

 ularly, the excess dust should be removed after each operation and 

 returned to the container in which it is stored. The dust will dete- 

 riorate less rapidly in such containers, and the mechanism of the dust- 

 ing equipment will not be subject to corrosion. Working parts should 

 be properly lubricated. 



