The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-09-16
STAND ON THE BEDS WHILE DRESSING
To Escape the Attentions of an Army
of Troublesome Visitors.
Fieas by the Million Flock to the
Athens of America
And Take Up Their Residence on Aris-
tocratic Back Bay.

o5o euo icoiueDIS Ol hOXDury ana Wnat is
now the Back Bay portion of Boston, were
greatly troubled with sudden invasion Of
feas, and it was some time before the resi-
dences where these pests frequented were
rid Of their horrid presence. They went,
however, fully as suddenly as they appeared,
but the trouble and damage that their visit
caused was considerable. They had an
especial liking for the carpets, and wherever
they appeared. perfect renovation of all
the floor coverings was necessary before the
fleas took the hint and departed, either to
another locality or died. for their visits to
this city or vicinity in large numbers has not
been reported until recently.
The first news of the arrival of an ideal
army OF feas was received from Cambridge.
A number of residents on Main street, near
Harvard square, were made really miserable
by the mschieyous pests. 1t was believed
that the fleas were brought into Cambridge
in some sand the West End Railway Com
pany brought from the beach Esith which to
cover its tracks on Main street. This was
the only reasonable solution of the mystery,
concerning the origin of the fieas that pres
ented itself. 1t was pleasing that the pests
confined themselves mainly to the locality
around Main street, although case was re-
ported on Sacramento street, where small
had found shelter.
From Cambridge the fleas journeyed to
Somerville, and there made 1t very disagree
able for all concerned in their visit Their
invasion Of Somerville was similar to that
of Cambridge, only their field of operation
was confined to smaller area They did
not seem to like the hilly country around
Somerville, and were apparently tired in
climbing the high elevations when making
their rounds to the different houses.
'hn nf AnoC in. In, 10,
numbers was first noted in South End resi-
dence. The family had been away for six
weeks, and during the time the house was
closed. Recently the family returned and
the lady OF the house was the first to enter.
She had not advanced many steps before her
attention was attracted to numerous black
spots upon her white dress. she attempted
to remove the little dark patches by gentle
brush with her hand, and her surprise can
be imagined when all the supposed spots as
sumed much activity. and suddenly jumped
in every direction.
AS she proceeded the number Of the spots
certainly increased, and it was not long be-
fore she was forced to believe that her house
was invaded by thousands of remarkably ac-
tive and healthy fleaS. She at once reported
the case to the board of health. and Mr. Gage
and several assistants found the house well
occupied with fleas, and it was with consid-
cradle difficulty that the place was made
comfortably inhabitable.
A reporter called at house yesterday,
where it was reported that fleas were To-
Gated, and upon making known his errand
was ushered into a handsomely furnished
parlOr,
you understood that the fleas had struck
us, did you?" queried a young lady, who was
quite willing to give all the information pos
sible on the flea question. Upon receiving
an affirmative answer she continued:
Il know from experience that the fleas like
strangers, and you sit perfectly still for a
moment, and I'll guarantee that they will
scrape up an acquaintance with you.'
The young lady spoke with much earnest
ness and it was quite evident that she well
unders stood the matter about which she was
SO positive. In very short time the report
er suddenly felt a peculiar crawling sensa-
tion ON one of his feet, and looking down
was was much ,,is surprised to see fully dozen
bee line' for his limb. A shake of the
foot caused all the unceremonious visitors to
jump in all directions, and majority of
them found their way to the carpet.
What did tell you," said the young
lady, but you only saw few, for the house
really believe is full of them. We have re
Gently returned from months vacation to
Cottage City and during our absence the
feas have taken possession; They are not
neal as bad as when we first came home,
and we hope to get rid of them before long
Our house is not old, and perfectly clean in
every way, so that the appearance of the
fieas here is perfect mystery, We are only
one OF large number troubled with the
it, they have got SO many heas in house
three doors below here, that the people who
live there declare they can hear the feas
crack when they walk along the floor, and l
know for certain that all the women
in the house stand ON the beds
while dressing to evade the feas. You may
think am foolng, bu. } ou call on them and
they will verify all have said about the
feas"
What are you doing to coax the fleas to
leaye?' inquired the reporter.
I'VE have tried almost everything" replied
the young lady, "but we find that the best
method of driving the fieas away, or posi-
bly, killing them, is to use plentiful supply
of dalmatian powder on the carpets and fur
niture We have forced the fleas from three
rooms already in this way, and l hope we
shall have equal success all around"
The reporter suddenly felt peculiar and
quite significant bite on one of his ankles,
and he thought it best to bid his kind in
formant good-day before the number of the
bites increased.
1t was ascertained that the buffalo bugs
had made quite general visit to Boston
houses, especially in the Back Bay districts.
where the bugs were sure TO find fine carpets
to WORK upon They are not found so large
ly in houses that have been open all summer
as in those that have been closed a majority
of the time
The only sure way you can clear your
house of the pests Is to get down on your
knees and hunt for them. They are not like
fleas. and will not jump when they see you
coming, and their w0olly black backs are
easily seen Catch them all, and reward
their diligence in spelling your carpet by
sudden death, and you will find them fast
disappearing, although the operation will
cost you many tired back"