Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-04-14
CLEARING A HOUSE OF INSECTS.
How 70 SUCCESSFULLY Fight wafer
Bugs, Moths, and Cockroaches'

written TOT tne iiSpaiS"'
In the spring there is wholesale re-
surrection of domesticated insects tlat Ia
a hcusekeeper's mind with forebodihss:
Furnace fires have not only kept the
family warm all winter, but also innu-
n,araS,e oosey mice nests, the larvae OF
moths ard the irrepressible cockroach.
At the first warm sunshiny day every one
of these small denominations are up and
doing unless a strong hand of resistance
Is nut forth at their first active demon
stration.
This is accomplished by using naptha
and benzine literally on mattresses. Pill
iows. etc., that are summing in the back
yard.
1t is not too extravagant TO pour
little stream OF naptha all about bindings
and tuftngs OF ticking. since II Is fouhd
that this is almost the only agent that
not only kills vermin but destroys thelr
eggs.
For the woodwork of the beds first wash
all the unvarnished parts in scalding soap
suds, then Immediately pass over every
Joint and crack with a clean old paint
brush dipped in naptha. Where during the
winter a bed has been used by sick per-
son IL is a nice precaution to paint the
under parts with prepared chloride OF
lime, and push 1t near draught OF fresh
air and sunny window TO stand for at
least five hours. Careful housekeepers
paint carpet, washboard and picture
moulding under and above where every
bed stands with naptha. and at inervals
OF two weeks repeat the operation.
Where a movable wooden washstand
becomes infested with croton bugs or
cockroaches there is n sovereign cure In
washing 1t with hot suds, leaving 1t open
to dry in strong sunlight. and then soaking
every joint of the wood with pure ammo
mia. To guard against any return 10 the old
haunt, cut few squares OF stin brown
wrapping paper, paint them lightly with
mucilage, dust over heavily with borax.
and lay squares in the drawers and cabi-
net. ANY stationary washstand can be
kept clear OF them by pouring few tea
spoonsfuls of chloride of lime or subli-
mate down the waste pipe twice or thrice
| a week, and using borax IN the lower
part of the stand.
Where a bathroom is infested with
croton bugs only repeated use OF sui
phur candle can stop their multiplication.
These are bought at any apothecary's
or grocer's and bear on them carerui Ill
| rections for use.
For moths there has at last been found
a pleasant preventive. II a florist can
| not supply one with sprays OF dried Eng
| lish lavender, the corner apothecary will
be sure to keep 1t in packages; when on
| closet shelves, In drawers, and trunks, II
| will defend ones woollen things against
| the most aggressive onslaughts OF the
| enemy AS one by one the draperies come
| down. dust, sun, and fold them down with
| squares of tar moth-paper and directly
| the furnace fire Is put out send for an
| expert rat catcher to examine the walls
and cellar for those most offensive of
I parasites, mice, that breed vermin of all
| kinds. IL IL Is country house order him
to send ferrets through the walls, but IN
| the city insist on traps, and forbid any
| use OF poison. else the creatures will die In
| the walls and render the house unlivable.
| After three days experiment he should
have coaxed every mouse from its nest
| and the I'VE or six dollars he asks for his
work. Is well invested. Where rat
| catcher cannot be had. buy half dozen
| round tin spring traps and set them all
| every night for u week In every suspected
| spot. batting each time With a different
dainty. and scalding the traps to clean
| them in the morning. r. l..