St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1901-10-19
MURDER THESE PESTS.
Quttoes-A Pinch of GunpOW.
der IL Good, Too.

The mosquito is commonly local
issue, seldom prevalent more than
mile from his breeding spot. Hence
the usefulness of prevention, says the
Evening Star. Mosquitoes invariably
breed in stagnant water. Seek out all
such spots as soon as ice melts and
cover their surfaces with thin layers
of crude kerosene. One ounce will
spread over Is square feet of surface.
Two weeks later make second appli-
cation, and after month third. By
concerted action almost any suburban
or country neighborhood may be rid
of these pests. Where prevention is
impossible close sleeping rooms tight
in the morning and burn in each OF
them o teaspoonful of Persian insect
powder. Leave closed for three hours,
then air well while the sun is hottest
and put back the screens. Where a
room must be occupied at once and is
found infested with mosquitoes put a
pinch of gunpowder upon plate, set
it in the middle of the room and touch
it off by means of a creased thread.
lighted and allowed to act as a fuse.
The conclusion of explosion will kill
most of the mosquitoes and so stun the
rest that they may be easily fought
away.
Moth Killing.-In the matter Of moths
prevention is million times better
than cure. But where the pests ex-
list, as in q rug or carpet on the floor,
there are two effectual remedies, both
of which are troublesome. The firss
is steam homeopathically applied.
Disturb the infected spot as little as
possible, but spread over it a thick,
clean towel wrung out in hot water.
Cover with a second towel, also thick,
and iron at least three times with blaz-
ing hot irons. Repeat over the whole
infected surface. It will kill every live
moth, but may leave eggs. Afortnight
later go over the carpet again. The
work must be thorough and kept care
fully continuous, as if single hands
breadth escapes the steaming it is like
ly to prove the breeding ground of a
new moth crop.
Where there is sufficient ventilation
to prevent danger of fire or explosion,
also to carry away the smell, naphtha
or even well-refined kerosene is excel
lent for moths. Sweep the surface
clean, then go over it with a paint
brush dipped in naphtha until it is sop
ping wet. Be careful to begin work
upon uneaten surface and to put a
naphtha belt all around before touch
ing the worst spots. This is to keep
the moths from running into new har-
bors. Keep the room closed tight for
six hours, so the naphtha may have a
chance at flying moth-millers. Then
open all doors and windows except
those leading inside and go through
the room, tanning out the naphtha
gas. No light should be brought into
the room so treated for at least two
days, and it is a wise precaution not
to strike matches in hall adjoining
SO long as a smell of naphtha is per-
ceptible. Neither the naphtha treat
ment nor the steaming, if properly
done, will affect the most delicate col
ors. Small woolens suspected of har-
boring moth eggs may be wrapped in
thin clean cloths, with thick wet towels
rolled outside, and popped into very
hot oven until the towels scorch slight
ly upon the outside. This gives a
steaming sufficient to destroy most
Of the eggs. Repeat it ten days later,
if the woolens are to be
packed away.