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INSECT ENEMIES OF EASTERN FORESTS 33 
Grasshoppers 
When grasshoppers are nursery pests the infestation usually comes 
from sod areas adjacent to the nurseries, since the grasshopper eggs 
are seldom laid in cultivated land. During their early nymphal stages 
the young hoppers feed near the place where they have hatched, and 
can readily be poisoned at this time. In the later stages they move 
about in search of food and, if numerous, may infest ‘the nurseries. 
Considerable migration may occur following the cutting of adjacent 
hay and small-grain fields. ‘The nurseries can be protected from such 
migrations by ‘spreading poisoned-bran mash in a barrier strip 100 
feet or more wide around the nur sery. Several applications at inter- 
vals of 4 or 5 days will usually be necessary. A couple of deep furrows 
with vertical sides can also be used around the edge of the nursery to 
trap young grasshoppers. As they collect in these furrows they can 
be killed by daily applications of poisoned bait. After the insects 
have developed to the flying stage, these barriers will be of no value. 
The poisoned bait is prepar ed as follows: 
Materials: Quantity 
Malil-runebran,.mixed steed or Shorts 2 2- S e Ra eee 25 pounds. 
Sawaust- Gcmes bulk ofmill-run bran) -2 22222) 2 eS 314% bushels. 
Chlordane, 50 percent wettable powder___________________ 1 pound. 
or toxaphene___-~-~~_ ie eee ee ee et ee OU OS: 
AV sca CTs emia eee so are eee wd SNe ES 10 to 12 gallons. 
The millfeeds in the above formula contain considerable flourlike 
material which covers the sawdust particles. The grasshoppers chew 
this coating off the sawdust particles or entirely consume the bran 
and are killed by the poison it contains. Standard bran, 50 pounds, 
and sawdust, 21/4 bushels, can be substituted for the first two ingredi- 
ents in the above formula. Standard bran does not contain as much 
flourlike material as do the millfeeds and therefore does not coat the 
sawdust particles. The sawdust in this case acts mainly as a diluent 
and prevents lumping. Where sawdust is not available, 100 pounds 
of bran can be substituted for the first two ingredients in the formula. 
Spread the sawdust out on a tight floor or in a wagon box or similar 
container to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Scatter the millfeed uniformly 
over the sawdust and mix the two ingredients thoroughly by turning 
with shovels. Then thoroughly mix the arsenic preparation with 
the required amount of water. If crude arsenic or paris green is used 
it should be continually stirred to prevent its settling. Gradually 
splash the solution over the bran and work it into a mash with a shovel 
or rake until it contains no lumps and is moist throughout. 
All arsenical compounds, including lead arsenate, calcium ar- 
senate, and paris green, are poisonous to man and higher animals 
and should be clearly labeled “POISON.” They should be kept 
away from food products, and stored in a place inaccessible to 
children and animals. The arsenicals, except paris green, are 
usually colored pink to denote their poisonous nature. 
This bait should be spread thinly and evenly at the rate of 10 to 
15 pounds (wet weight) per acre. It should fall into flakes when 
scattered with the hand, and in this form will be safe for use. 
If the bait is left on the ground in lumps, there is danger that 
livestock will pick up the poison. 
