Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 157, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 July 1910 — The Way to Treat the Cottony Maple Scale. [ARTICLE]

The Way to Treat the Cottony Maple Scale.

Right now M the time when all soft maple threes should be carefully examined for tne Cottony Maple Scale, says Benjamin W. Douglass, state entomologist. This insect, which is inconspicuous during ten months of the year, is now very readily noticed owing to the unusual development of great masses of a cottony substance containing the young scales. Each year the pest becomes more and more serious and is constantly extending its range. It attacks all species of maple, but is especially partial to the common soft maple. It also attacks the elm and an allied form is injurious to grapes. After hibenating on the twigs of trees all winter the female lays large quantities of eggs in May and June. It is at this season that the scale is most conspicuous, clinging to the under side of the twig and surrounded at one end with great masses of cottony padding which is developed from the body simultaneously with thp eggs. The cottony substance is persistent on the branches through the summer and until worn off by the wind and rain. The eggs hatch in a short time and the young at once migrate to the leaves where they attach themselves in rows along the veins and begin feeding. They grow rapidly and as summer advances the males and females are differentiated, the males developing wings. At the approach of fall the fertilized females attach themselves to the underside of the twigs where they remain all winter. The male dies at the end of the summer. The leaves of the affected trees turn yellow and fall persistently during the summer, often ending with the death of the tree.

While effective treatment of the cottony maple scale can only bo applied in the winter, it is important that all infested trees be marked at this season to be sprayed later. Effective spraying can only be done during the dormant season when the leaves are off the tree. After many experiments we have found that the most satisfactory spray is the lime-sulpher solution which is readily made at home. Take fifty pounds each of lime and sulpher and boll them together for at least one hour. Then add enough water to make a complete solution of about 150 gallons. This should be used while still warm. The lime must be lime and must be of good quality. Alwayp strain the solution carefully before putting it in the spray tank as it will otherwise clog the nozzles. Get ready to celebrate the Fourth by buying cool, comfortable footwear at our exclusive shoe store. Fendig’s Exclusive Shoe Store, Opera House Block.