THE GRASS GRUB.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXI, Issue 8446, 14 August 1911, Page 7

THE GRASS GRUB.

' Farmers upon whose properties the grass grub (Odontria Zealarfdica) may have appeared will be interested to read the following circular, which has been issued by the Government Biologist:—

"Unfortunately, no means is yet known for the thorough control of the grass, grub. The New Zealand species is almost identical with the grub which is working such havoc in America—the white grub. In the attempts: to discover a means of controlling this pest, the American Government have spent many _ thousands of pounds vraiiout obtaining a satifactory remedy. "In New Zealand the grub is alwjays worst in light lands, where it does an immense amount of damage, and the only thing we have found to be of any good is to encourage the starlings as much as possible.

"On lawns, the grubs may be controlled by the use of heavy rollers just about dusk and in the early morning, or, if it is possible, by flooding the ground,, Carbon bisulphide may also be used for lawns; this, however, is rather an expensive method. Holes 2£ inches deep should be mad© at a distance of two feet apart, and into each, one ounce of carbon bisulphide should be passed. The holes should then be covered over. A 'dibbler' made from an old spade handle will facilitate the making of holes. "Messrs Strawson and Co., London, make a patent mixture known as 'Vaporite,' which is claimed to kill all underground insects, such as wireworms and beetle larvae. I recently had an opportunity of seeing a trial of this preparation made, and the results, though not entirely satisfactory, showed promise. If the 'Vaporite' were applied in a liberal manner, doubtless it would be of considerable valne in keeping down this pest. "On ordinary-pasture land nothing is known either in America or here that will control the pest, but encouraging the starlings, and liberal dressing with salt, or better still, with kainit, will greatly lessen the attack. One fact well known and worthy of notice is that, as affected land becomes consolidated, so the grass grub decreases."