New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-12-16
HOTSEHOLD TALKS.
DOMESTIC PESTS AND HOW TO EXTERMI-
NATE THEM-THE MOTH AND
IT'S EVIL WORK

The winter usually puts an end TO the ravages Of
doiestic pests OF all kinds. but the steam-heated
fiat and dwelling house have evolved condi-
tons Under the favorable atmosphere Of per-
% tua summer. the moth never dies.
At least. II does not appear to die for fresh
generation rapidly succeeds those that have gone
before so that n good housekeeper must be con-
tnually on the alert. The common clothes moth
can be exterminated with comparative ease. Keep
all fur and wool clothing which Is not in continual
use In wrappngs of newspaper cotton cloth.
Largo fur garments should be hung in bags Of cot
ton cloth. Scatter camphor through the wrapping
Before putting any article away. beat and air II
thoroughly on the clothes line. II should hang out
doors at least SIX hours before Il IL wrapped and
put away. Examine carefully all closets where fur
or wool clothes stored Frcshen them SION
ally by opening the outside windows OF the adjoin-
ing room and allowing the contents of the closets
TO be dsinfectcd by the keen cold air. Eternal
vigilance Is necessary
The buffalo moth Is much more aggravating
nest than the common clothes moth. 1t IL an ON
nlvorous feeder Nothing escapes II. 1t will take
up a residence In metal china or anything at hand
ready to so forth seeking food when occasion offers
1t has tecn found lurking In the teacups OF a new
set of china and in kitchen kettles fresh from the
ironmoncer Anything seems to serve as a means
Of obtaining entrance into the house.
The buffalo moth Is not deferred by canhphor. TO-
hacrO. tar paper anything else from Its ravages
When II has once set up n residence there It Will
continue to live until the third and fourth gen
,rai As every now knows. the fuzzy little
creature that gave the of buffalo TO this bug
is the grub of n beetle. and not IA true moth. At
sigl OF the pest will be found about the house for
the mature beetle IL strict vegetarian feeding on
the spiced and other shrubs.
1t il possessed OF that singular power OF locality
which H. shown by certain other Insects. by some
fishes as well by the higher members OF the
animal kingdom
After roaming for weeks in the fields and in the
world Inside the beetle will return to lay Its eggs
In the exact spot In the house where II Matched
out as grub.
When the beetle makes its appearance in the
house In winter. II could no doubt find vegetable
sustenance among the house plants. but II must not
be COMPOUNDED with the useful little ladybug or
"ladybird" This bug Is OF the same size and Is
valuable aid the floricuturist In destroying the
green aphis or plant louise.
The buffalo beetle Is not spotted like the ladybug.
but n dark color with line OF bright red down
the centre OF Its back. II Is about eighth Of
inch long.
The only remedy that scientists who have inves-
teated this pest have found efectual In destroying
IL is benzine gasoline sprinkled freely where the
grub is at work Steaming II by pressing hot
Iron with a wet cloth at the edges OF the car
pet where the bugs are at work. will sometimes
destroy them. but It cannot be depended upon Un-
less the house 10 constantly warm as Is a steam.
moth may lie dormant In winter. and not begin
active operations for the year until warmed into
life BY the suns Of April.
Thorough ventilation Of clothes closets and
asional inspection OF the premises are all that II
necessary In any case In winter.
This airing must be done systema tically not spas
medically. as some housekeepers do their work.