The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1883-09-28
Fighting the Flies.

Coun try Gentleman. -.
These pests, as usual, seem little
more irritating than in any preceding
season. To prevent their coming is oul
first duty; and after they are here, tc
get rid of them, or shut them out. A
dwelling built close beside the barn
pig-sty, or other ill-smelling clubhouse
will be thoroughly infested, as will also
those with ill-ventilatcd, dirty and hot
kitchens, and those others with a fever.
breeding slop hole near the door. Then
fruits that are openly dried in quantities
food or sweets that are left exposed, and
the cooking of an abundance of fresh
meats, have tendency to attract them.
To dispose of them, the old-fashioned
tumbler of soapsuds is about as effectual
and the least Objectionable of all
methods. Fill to within -fourths
of an inch of the top and cover
with bit of pastcboard or slice of
bread having hole cut in the center
and smeared underneath with molasses.
These are to be emptied each morning,
but not washed; then reflled, and fresh
molasses applied; enough should be pre-
pared to furnish with one or more each
room where the flies are troublesome,
Next after these comes the poisonous fly
paper-a coarse, brown texture-smal
squares of which laid in plates of water
will in a short time greatly reduce the
numbers. The objection to this is that
the dead flies are continually dropping
on and into everything. To lessen this
trouble, drive the flies into some unused
room, prepare several plates of poison,
close doors and windows, 'and leave them
undisturbed during the day. There
will scarcely bea living fly at night,
and the house will be comparatively
free until another damp day sends them
inside.
Then there are wire traps, where
they are coaxed inside, and adhesive pa
per, where they stick fast; but to sensi-
tive ears the buzzing Of the hapless
victims is intolerable. Late in autumn,
when the nights are cool enough to
leave the flies partially dormant in the
| morning, it is well to coax or drive them
into the kitchen over night, and before
| the fire is lighted sweep them down and
put them in the stove. This should be
done before coal fires are started, for
if the rooms are kept continually warm
the flies stay so late as greatly to re-
tard the cleaning, or if one ventures to
wash doors aud windows they are again
| specked and soiled.
| Then in excluding them netting is in.
dispensable, for we must not sweluer in
| ill-ventilated rooms in order to keep the
flies out. Mosquito netting can be used
| but is much less durable and satisfac.
tory than wire. In the dining-room this
seems necessary. But in the sitting.
room object to screens. There i
something SO contining in never look
ing out on hill and woodland without
having the glorious sight yelled anc
blurred, and never feeling fresh breeze
unless first sifted through wire netting
something so Disappointing in never
| plucking clematis blossoms or rose bud.
through the open window. or sitting il
the doorway to watch the heaving masse.
| of clouds before storm; for it we un
dertake to shut the flies out, we must dt
it thoroughly.
l prefer keeping the curtains down il
the morning when the room is little
used, and during fly season to remove
or cover with mosquito netting all pic
lures or ornaments that are likely to be
come injured. Nor do think it best t.
| veil everything in netting, as it shut.
away from us many restful pictures, and
gives the impression that our surround
ings are too good to be touched, or ever
seen. With proper care throughout the
season. few flies enter the sitting room
and a tumbler Of soapsuds constantly q,
hand will entrap a good many of the
| needless fellows.
To protect the baby from thei. in
sidious attacks, move the Grill near the
wall, and place above it one of those
pretty wire hooks used for bird cages
and hanging baskets. Take piece Of
netting three yards long and two wide
and with strong thread gather one
side, save half yard on each end, into
a compact bunch and tie securely; sew
together the strips left ungathered, and
hang the bunch over the hook. Dispose
the netting around the crib, and weight
down the lower edge with All occasional
small stone. This does away with the
sense of sutfocation that even baby
feels if the netting is laid near the face
and as the stones keep it firm, there is
no danger while rocking the crib, OF
when the child is awake, that the netting
will fall or be pulled down in its face.