Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 145, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 June 1919 — ARMY WORMS REPORTED IN WHITE COUNTY. [ARTICLE]

ARMY WORMS REPORTED IN WHITE COUNTY.

There has been a serious outbreak of army worms two miles east of Chalmers and it would be good policy for all farmers to look over their farms every day or so to see if there is any evidence of these worms, as this is an exceptionally favorable season for them and several cases have been reported from 'surrounding •counties. There is no reason for a farmer who finds these worms to become greatly alarmed if the worms are found before they are spread over too much territory. A deep furrow plowed around the infected area, -throwing the dirt toward them will prevent their spread and ‘they can tie killed by digging post holes in this furrow or dragging a chunk through it or if they are confined in a small area a poison bait made of bran, molasses, lemon juice and Paris green can be scattered over the ground. The important step, 'however, is to find them before they have spread for it is (possible that they could be working in a small grain field for a week before the effort would be noticed. The worm is from one-half inch to two inches long and looks a great deal like a common smooth caterpillar. They occur in very large numbers, as high as fifty to a square foot having been counted at Chalmers. They eat most any kind of grain, grass or wood and will usually be found traveling or upon the stem of the plant in the morning and evening and on the ground around the base of the plant through the day. Be sure to notify your neighbors if they are found on your place so that they can -protect their own crops and then roll up your sleeves and go after them until’ they are exterminated.,