Naphthalene Fumigation of Greenhouses

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Abstract
Fumigation with commercial flake or ground naphthalene at a concentration of 1.5 oz. per 1000 cubic feet of air space with exposures lasting over night has proved to be an effective and practical method for controlling red spider (Tetranychus telarius) and two species of thrips, namely, Heliothrips femoralis and Thrips tabaci in greenhouses. Observations covering a period of two years in which the tolerance of 40 species of plants was repeatedly tested indicate that this fumigant is adaptable to general greenhouse use. By observing the following precautions injury to the foliage may be avoided. The temperature during fumigation should be approximately 70º F. and a relatively high humidity of about 80% must be maintained throughout the entire period. A slow, even volatilization of the material over a period of at least 6 hours is essential in avoiding foliar injury and obtaining the maximum kill of the pests. This can be brought about by means of a simple device described and illustrated in the text of this article. Fumigation should be done at night and repeated at intervals of about a week. Frequent applications at relatively low concentrations rather than a single application at a high concentration are preferable.

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