Farmers Find Insect Activity On The Increase The farmer’s continuous battle against bugs is getting into full swing in Virginia. In his weekly summary of insect activity in the state, VPI associate 'entomologist Arthur P. Morris says the alfalfa weevil continues to spread, but growth and hatching of larvae has been slowed down con siderably by the cool and rainy weather. Control measures may not be needed in all the counties re ported to be infested for the first time this year Individual fields will have to be watched to determine whether or not to treat. The pea aphid is causing trouble in Some areas. General spraying likely will not be needed, but farmers should watch out for this pest. Army worm outbreaks in small grains may develop earlier than usual this year. Reports of damage to grains in South Carolina have al ready been received. There is no evidence for a prediction that this will be an "army worm year," but there are at least a few scattered outbreaks every year. Sheep scab mites were found on 1,811 of 10.113 head inspected in Virginia during February, and most of the sheep were dipped. Sheep scabies is a disease that must be reported to proper authorities. Con trols are carried out under the of fice of the state veterinarian. Tobacco plant beds should be watched for flea beetle and green June beetle damage. If the weather turns warm and dry, these two in sects likely will start damaging plants any day now. More spider mites than usual for this time of year are present on strawberries in the Norfolk area. Morris says county agents can give control measures for all in sects mentioned.

66.5%