INSECTICIDES AXD EQUIPMENT FOR CONTBOLLEKG INSECTS 15 



it has supplanted unslaked lime or quicklime, in the preparation of 

 bordeaux mixture. It is commonly used by growers as a repellent to 

 insects on melons, cucumbers, and other vegetables, and to repel the 

 Japanese beetle on certain fruit crops, although, owing to its caustic 

 nature, it may retard development of some plants. It is recommended 

 for the control of the garden slug. 



For the preparation of bordeaux mixture the hydrated lime should 

 be freshly made. 



Hydrated lime is commonly used with zinc sulfate on peaches and 

 with either zinc sulfate or copper sulfate on apples, as a safener for 

 lead arsenate. 



Caution. — The dust, when inhaled, is somewhat irritating to the 

 respiratory passages. Keep containers well closed. 



This material is usually available locally, in hardware stores or 

 from dealers in building supplies. 



KEROSENE EMULSION 



Kerosene emulsion is an effective contact insecticide. It was in 

 rather general use until replaced by the white-oil emulsions, which 

 are safer to use on a wide variety of plants. If not properly prepared, 

 kerosene emulsion may cause injury to succulent plants such as coleus, 

 ferns, heliotrope, begonia, and crucifers. although it can be safely used 

 on chrysanthemums, crotons. palms, and rubber plants. 



Other, hardier plants are not injured by even a 10-percent emulsion. 

 Diluted to 5 percent, this emulsion is effective against mealybugs, rose 

 midge larvae in the soil, immature scales, and red spiders, while a 1- 

 percent emulsion can be used successfully against apliids. thrips. and 

 ants in the soil. Kerosene emulsion should be applied preferably 

 late in the afternoon and the plants thoroughly syringed with water 

 the next morning before sun-up. Soil overrun with ants may be freed 

 of these pests without injury to the plants by drenching the infested 

 areas with a 1-percent emulsion. 



A stock emulsion of kerosene is prepared according to the following 

 formula : 



For Jarye /'-" >mall 



quantities quantities 



Kerosene 2 gallons. 1 pint. 



Fish-oil soap or laundry soap 1 o pound. V£ ounce. 



Water 1 gallon. i._. pint. 



If hard bar soap is used, first cut the soap into chip- and then 

 dissolve it in hot water, and while it is still hot add the kerosene very 

 slowly, stirring constantly. The mixture should be pumped through 

 a bucket pump back into the container for several minutes, or until 

 a creamy emulsion has formed. Small quantities may be made with an 

 egg beater. 



The stock emulsion may be kept until needed in a tightly stoppered 

 bottle or fruit jar. However, it will deteriorate with age and the 

 kerosene will collect at the top of the mixture. This is the case with 

 some of the commercial emulsions which have been prepared for some 

 time. This free oil is the cause of much injury when applied to plants. 

 The emulsion may be reclaimed by reheating and agitating, with or 

 without the addition of soap. 



535593 -43 —2 



