SOIL PESTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 June 1938, Page 12

SOIL PESTS

HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM. There is always a danger of wireworms in a new garden, or where an old one has become overgrown with weeds. These pests breed from eggs deposited by a small beetle. Unlike most maggots and caterpillars they remain in the caterpillar stage for several years instead of quickly turning into beetles. It is a fact also, that the first year of an attack is never so severe as that of the following year. The pests seldom become active until seedlings are well on the way in spring. They are most destructive and, by tunnelling into the roots, they account for many good plants. By the time it is realised that an attack has developed, it is generally impossible to effect anything like a cure. When breaking up rough turf, it is not sufficient to merely dig it in; the trench should always be cleaned out to a good depth, the bottom being forked over and the turf laid grass side down. When the next line of soil is turn over, the turf is well buried, and the pests, to a great extent, stifled. To make doubly sure that they will not come up, the turf, as it lies in the bottom of the trench, should be sprinkled with napthalene, or good hot lime. A further dusting along the face of the trench, or an application made in such a manner that it mixes with the soil as digging proceeds, is also distinctly advisable. The effort and cost are small, but such prompt measures may easily avert serious losses of plants and crops, extending over three or more years.