The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1890-01-10
TO KILL THE GRAIN wEEvIL.


above insect, we deem it not out of
place to publish what is known of this
pest and the remedies therefor, hoping
that the information may reach every
one interested, and prove of some as
sistance, and with the further hope
that it will elicit discussion and more
information from grain dealers.
NATURAL HISTORY.
The grain weevil belongs to the
sub order or beetles characterized by
its members being provided with a
beak or snout which is used to
puncture fruit, or grain, Or flower buds
(the plant attacked differing with the
kind of weeviD, thereby forming re-
ceptacIe for the egg.
The grain weevil is reddish brown
in color aud about one eighth of All
inch long. A single egg is laid by the
female who punctures kernel of whe.t
for that purpose.
The larva. or worm, produced from
the egg lives upon the farinaceous part
of the kernel, leaving only the huh.
When full grown it is nearly one line
in length and changes into a pup"
within the hull in which it has lived.
1t remains in the pnpa state about
nine days when the perfect beetle ap-
pears aud gnaws it's way out of the
kernel.
1t devours the inside parts of the
grain, not only in the larval, but also in
the perfect, state.
1t is said that single pair will pro-
duce 5000 in five months. 1t is also
said that from the time the egg is de-
posted until the perfect insect appears
is about forty-five days.
1t is claimed that at a temperature
of less than As deg. Fahrenheit these
insects are incapable of reproducing,
and in order to escape the cold hide
themselves in the cracks of the floors,
etc.. remaining there until warmer
weather.
1t is not hy examining the surface of
the grain heaps that the presence of the
weevil can be detected, but by examin-
ing the grain at a depth of four
or more inches below the sur
face.
Ifsome of the grain be put in water
the infected kernels or those which the
larva or perfect insect have eaten out,
will float.
1t is probable that the weevil lays its
eggs i'll the grain or in some of it while
in the field.
The above is taken largely from the
work of Matthew Cooke who spent
some time in studying this insect in
California; SO are, also, the following
remedies which tally SO closely with
the result of observations of many
grain men throughout the Willamette
valley, that they are especially valu-
able.
First-Keep granaries clean and
,, dry within and we'll ventilated.
Second-Whitewash the interior il
the spring of each year. Before white.
washing, however, anoint, with brush
all cracks and crevices in floors and
walls with the following solutions
Saturate chloride of lime with all the
coal oil it will take up, and then with
water until it can be used with q
| brush.
Thitd-Grain in storehouses OF
granaries should be piled so is to allow
Il free circulation Of air around the
rows of sacks (supposing that sacks
were used, and their use seems de-
slrable.) .grTs *.
Fourth-It is generally conceded
that the grain weevil cannot breed il
the temper ature in the building or store.
house is kept lower than As deg. Fab
renheit. Hence.
Fifth-Thorough ventilation is i'm
poitant, as we have reason to believe
that at least part Of the wheat is in
tested before 1t reaches the granary;
and maintenance of low tempera-
ture will keep eggs from Matching.
Sixth-Grain kept in bulk should be
turned over occasionally by "shovellng'
to prevent its becoming heated.
Seventh-Stored grain should be
kept free from damp, and kept perfectly
covered to prevent its becoming wet
from rains, ETC., and a high temueia-
ture by every possible means.
Some OF the methods TO be adopted
by grain men in the v,llev RI sec,,re