RED SPIDER OR SPIDER MITE are minute insects that 
usually work on the underside of the leaves. This gives 
the underside of the leaf a grey appearance, covered 
with a silvery web. The top of the leaf starts browning 
and develops into a leaf resembling cured tobacco. 
These insects multiply very rapidly in dry, hot 
weather, spreading over an entire garden in a few days 
to a week’s time, but they do not like cold wet 
weather or cold water, especially applied with pressure. 
Red spider damage has been increased since the 
advent of DDT which destroys the parasite that nor- 
mally helps control red spider. Red spider controls are 
of short duration while DDT control lasts about two 
weeks, so bear this in mind when using DDT. 
TARNISH PLANT BUG is about 1% inch in length, 
brassy brown in color and marked with black and 
yellow with red thorax. This is quite a troublesome 
insect in certain sections, especially parts of the mid- 
west. This insect punctures the flower stem causing the 
buds to dry up, in some localities even dwarfing the 
entire bush. 
THRIPS are tiny insects which in the nymph stage are 
greenish grey in color and very hard to see without 
the aid of a magnifying glass. They do considerable 
damage in this stage. They enter the growing leaf bud 
and chafe the newly formed leaves, injuring them so 
that they develop malformed and curled, also injuring 
the small flower bud and stem. These insects seem to 
enjoy the life blood of certain varieties on account of 
its flavor and do not molest the adjacent bush. If the 
attack is not checked the leaves will be gnarled and 
twisted, and the buds one-sided or so injured that they 
dry up and fall off. This usually results in a stunted 
bush, which in reality is only weakened by insect 
ravages. 
The onion thrips in particular are the best known 
carriers of ring spot making the control of thrips 
very important where any ring spot is present. 
INSECT CONTROL 
For years we have been looking for an all purpose 
insect control and now we feel it is here. However, it 
cannot be used on fruits or vegetables as it has a 
musty odor and imparts it to the fruit or vegetable. 
It is less dangerous to use than Black Leaf 40 (Sulphate 
of Nicotine) but precautions noted on packages should 
be adhered to. All of the above mentioned insects can 
be controlled by the following recommended spray and 
used at the one prescribed strength. It is, of course, 
much easier to control insects before there is a heavy 
infestation, and less damage will be done. 
There are other new insecticides on the market, no 
doubt efficient, but we are afraid to use them and 
would certainly not recommend them to our customers. 
RECOMMENDED INSECT CONTROL 
We have obtained exceptional results, practically 
100% insect control with one application of the fol- 
lowing spray: 2 heaping tablespoonfuls of 50% wet- 
table BHC in combination with % teaspoonful TAT 
Hexate and 1/2 teaspoonful LINCK WA to each gallon 
DAHLIADEL NURSERIES 4 
of water. This we feel sure will control all the trouble- 
some insects listed above, including the European Corn 
Borer if spray is kept on the plant at the proper time. 
Use the same precaution as when spraying with nico- 
tine sulphate: namely—wash hands immediately to re- 
move concentrated spray material and keep away from 
breathing the spray by spraying with the wind. 
TAT BHC contains the new outstanding chemical Ben- 
zene Hexachloride. This product acts as a contact, 
stomach and fumigant insecticide. It is up to 15 times 
as toxic to certain insects as DDT yet only 1/5 as 
toxic to warm blooded animals. Exceptionally effective 
against sucking bugs, aphids, leaf-eating insects (even 
killing the egg), wireworms, thrips, scale, grasshoppers, 
locusts and ants. It does not have the long residual 
effectiveness of DDT due to its fumigant action, how- 
ever, this is advantageous in that it reduces the danger 
of any long lasting residue. 
Although it has a somewhat objectionable odor, the 
results are so far ahead of anything else that you gladly 
tolerate the musty odor. 
TAT HEXATE is a newly formulated compound con- 
taining Hexaethyl Tetraphosphate and a wetting, spread- 
ing agent. Replaces nicotine sulphate in controlling 
aphids; also excellent for control of plant mites (such 
as red spider), and other insects. 
VAPOTONE—XX Spray. A new organic insecticide 
containing Tetraethyl Pyrophosphate. This may be sub- 
stituted for TAT HEXATE in above Recommended Insect 
Control. It has given equal results for us and costs 
less money. 
LINCK WA. A wetting agent recommended for low 
pressure spraying when using BHC with Hexate or 
Vapotone. The purpose of a wetting agent is to relieve 
the surface tension, allowing the spray to cover the 
insect or flow over the entire surface of the area 
sprayed. The proper amount of WA will vary according 
to how hard the water is that is used in the spray. 
When using the amount prescribed and spray rolls up 
in small drops, then reduce the quantity of WA. 
CORN BORER DUST (Nicotine Bentonite Dust). 4% 
actual nicotine content with wetting agent added. Four 
to five applications should be made at five to six day 
intervals, starting at the time of the first eggs’ hatching. 
Five pounds should take care of 100 to 150 dahlia 
bushes for four applications (size of bush will vary 
amount needed). Directions with each package. 
Prices listed in our catalog under Dahlia Growers’ 
Supplies. 
CUT WORMS are easily controlled by scattering about - 
a teaspoonful of poison bran bait around the plant 
(but not touching it) as soon as plants are set or shoots 
appear from roots. The early evening is the best time 
to apply it. 
2 tablespoonfuls of molasses or brown sugar (dis- 
solved). 
1 level teaspoonful of paris green or arsenate of 
lead mixed in the juice of an orange or equivalent 
in water. 
1 quart of bran or enough to make a _ reasonably 
dry mash. 
