Battle of a century

Lynn Poole explains the etymology of entomology, the study or science of insects and displays pamphlets produced by the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture. Mr. Hall, from the Agriculture Research Service, discusses the diversity of color, size, activity, and scope of insect species, which make up about three-quarters of the world's non-human species. He notes that beneficial insects offset the enemy insects; however, the latter can wreak havoc. Mr. Poole mentions Sir William Osler's malaria research linking the disease to mosquitoes and current prevention efforts for this and other mosquito-related problems. Mr. Hall explains how houseflies breed and how our health depends on controlling them, but he singles out grasshoppers as being particularly destructive. A film documents grasshoppers' reproduction and their natural enemies. Other destructive insects are clothes moths, silverfish, termites, and tree-killing insects. Means to control insect damage include insecticides, such as DDT, presumed safe and effective at that time.