FARM & GARDEN

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 18, Issue 12, 8 February 1907, Page 3

FARM & GARDEN

THE OX WARBLE FLY. Beat and Moat Efficient Way to Got Rid of the Pest I> to Destroy; tbo Mmrtrot. The warble or swelling on the back of cattle is caused by the larva of a fly which attaches its eggs to the hair on the legs, flanks and neck of the animal. These hatch and the larvae establish themselves under the skin, usually on either side of the backbone. Here they feed upon the animal juices until ready to pupate, causing the swelling or warble. When growth is completed the grub leaves the warble, drops to the ground, crawls under the l most con-

venient shelter, such as apiece of board* log-, etc, and here transforms into the' fly or adult stage. There is a difference of opinion as to how the grub gets under the skin. Some entomologists claim that the egg is taken into the stomach by the animals licking* themselves, hatch there, adhering to the walls, then the grubs gradually work their way toward the surface, where they remain until fully grown. Others hold that the eggs hatch where they are laid and the young larvae bury themselves at once

under the skin. Whatever method is employed the results are the same. The best way to get rid of the pest is to kill the maggot. This may be done by squeezing them out. Place the thumbs near the base of the swelling and press firmly until; the grub is forced out. To prevent the attacks of the fly in summer, a mixture of four ounces flowers of sulphur, one gill of spirits of tar with a quart of train oil rubbed along the spine, loins and ribs is useful. Train oil can be used alone. As the fly does not move about from place to place freely, its eradication on individual farms depends almost completely upon the owner.— Orange Judd Farmer.