INFESTATION OF SHIPS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27441, 30 August 1954, Page 9

INFESTATION OF SHIPS

PROTECTION FROM INSECTS DEVELOPMENT OF NEW CHEMICAL The British troopship Dunera which left Southampton this month for the Far East has been protected against insects, especially cockroaches, by a new chemical product. Consisting of a lacquer and two powerful insecticides and developed after three years of continuous experiment, the chemical has been sprayed on galleys, messrooms and other parts of the vessel likely to harbour insect pests. The lacquer has the property of expelling the insecticides in tiny invisible crystals, an action which is quickened by the friction of insects crawling on the surface. The process continues, in spite of washing and scrubbing, enabling the toxic strength of the product to be maintained for at least two years aft< each application The lethal agents ate aldrin and dieldrin. These potent insecticides have been successful in controlling many kinds of insect pests in different parts of the world. Dieldrin was the material which washed into the shingle, cleared the beaches of Brighton and the>neighbouring coastal towns of the seaweed fly, last December. Aldrin is being used for a full-scale locust control campaign this year in India and Pakistan.. This follows extensive trials in Jordan in 1953 in which complete control was obtained against locusts in all stages of growth. During the recent Royal tour, the surroundings of Polbnnaruwa Rest House in Ceylon were “fogged” with an aldrin-dieldrin vapour, thus giving relief from “lake flies”-—a source of considerable nuisance locally.