The Garden Under Glass

CHAPTER XXXI GREENHOUSE PESTS AND THEIR EXTERMINATION As in the outside garden, so in the greenhouse, the number of pests is far greater than might be imagined, and though I think none are wholly ineradicable they are so difficult to get rid of that few go to such extremes or adopt such drastic measures as to eradicate them. The general means of eradication, or at any rate of checking their progress are dipping, sponging, fumigation, spraying, trapping and the adoption of preventive measures. Before giving a few words on each of the pests I might refer in general terms to these methods which will save me a considerable amount of repetition. I have already dealt with the question of fumigation, so need not now refer to it. In dipping, sponging and spraying we deal, of course, with insecticid.es. These proprietary preparations are many of them excellent, and most of them fulfil their purpose, so that it would not be fair to mention any in particular. A glance at the well-filled advertisement pages of the gardening papers will afford plenty of choice in the matter of preparation for the extermination of pests of all kinds. Whatever mixture be chosen, it is the wisest plan to use it strictly according to directions. It is neither safe to the plants nor fair to the vendor to use it in greater proportion. Warm soft water is preferable for mixing insecticides, and for ensuring a thorough fusion the syringe should be used. Draw up a syringeful and force it back again into the can or bucket. 287