Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 148, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 June 1919 — POISON WILL HALT ADVANCING ARMY WORMS. [ARTICLE]

POISON WILL HALT ADVANCING ARMY WORMS.

Washington, D. C., June 23^— The outbreak of army worms, which began in I'exas during late May, has spread northeastward and is now general m the central Mississippi basin, says a statement issued today by the United States department of agriculture. Reports dhow the infestation to be rather severe in parts of the states of Oklahoma, Missouri, lowa, Illinois and Indiana. It is quite possible that the northern states east of the Appalachian mountains may be invaded within the next three or four weeks. The simplest and most effective remedy for army worms, say the federal entomologists, is the poison bran bait made according to the standard formula as given for grasshopper and cut-worm control. It is as follows: Wheat bran, 2TF pounds; Paris green or w<hite arsenic, 1 pound; lemons or oranges, 6 finely chopped fruits; low grade molasses, such as refuse from sugar factories, or cattle molasses, known as black strap, 2 quarts; water as needed, usually from 2 to 3 gallons. The bran and Paris green or arsenic are thoroughly -mixed while dry. The fruits are then finely chopped and added, and lastly the diluted molasses is poured over the bait and the whole mass thoroughly kneaded and mixed. If lemons or oranges can not be secured, crushed ripe tomatoes, watermelons, or other fruits may be added. The bait should be strewed thinly and evenly over the ground in the path of the advancing worms. This bait may be used safely in alfalfa and corn fields where it is desired, if possible, to save the crops for forage purposes.