Diesel Oil Best Method Of Gintrolling House Borer

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29368, 22 November 1960, Page 6

Diesel Oil Best Method Of Gintrolling House Borer

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, November 21. Diesel oil has been proved a most effective method of controlling the common house-borer. This simple method of control was confirmed by trials lasting nearly 10 years carried out by Dr. D. Spiller, of the Plant Diseases Division of the D.S.I.R. The materials used in the investigations were pentachlorophenol and ordinary automotive diesel oil.

Pentachlorophenol gave results which were superficially good, but it was ineffective over long periods. Diesel oil, however, was remarkably effective for surface treatment. For the first four years after the treatment of an infested plain wood sample, no beetles emerged. In spite of the fact that the treated sample was adjacent to a heavily infested control piece from which more than 2000 beetles emerged in one year alone, the emergence rate was insignificant in the next period of four years. , Mainly suitable for the basic unpainted structure of a building, the treatment is sinople. Diesel oil is applied by hand brush at approximately one gallon to 100 square feet. Unfortunately the oil is somewhat pungent and retains its smell for a long period. It also

causes a slight discolouration at the wood.

If these disadvantages can be tolerated, ft is considered that a single treatment is effective for at least eight to 10 years. No other known substance gives control to compare with diesel oil. Nearly all insecticides are not persistent enough for borer control unless they are injected annually. • A solution of ordinary kerosene and dichloroethylene is best for “pressure-gun” treatment.