The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-08-22
To Kill Household Pests.

anu dll Otuef nOuS6nOlu pests. III
the general householder is minded
to take advantage on its expert
ments and observeits directions his
dwelling place can be speedily and
effectively rid of every animal and
insect which now disturbs his
family. This result, b anefcent as
it is, is, moreover, not to be the re-
suit of long fight with the house
keeper. 1t can be attained in one
night at small expense.
Hydrocyanic acid gas is the
chief element of determination
This gas is well known as a pecu
liarly dangerous compound, and
should be used, therefore, with the
greatest care. But the results OF
particular experiments made by
officials of the department would
seem to warrant twice the amount
of care necessary and four times
the cost of the acid.
The bulletin issued by the de-
partment states: "The experienced
gained indicates that the use of
hydrocyanic acid gas in houses is
successful against cockroaches, bed
bugs, clothes moths, ants, white
ants. house flies and other soft
bodied insects; and as these consti-
tute the majority of the household
pests the use of the gas must now
be considered standard remedy,
Moreover, rats and mice are also
killed by its use.
"Recent experience indicates
that in order to destroy the house
hold insects mentioned, one fluid
ounce of commercial sulphuric acid,
diluted with two fluid ounces OF
water to increase the bulk of the
liquid and insure complete chem
cal action, and one ounce of high
grade (9S per cent. cyanide OF
potassium must be used for every
100 cubic feet of space,
"Before performing the operation
the house must be vacated, and it
is we'll to do this just before night
fall. 1t is not necessary to remove
any of the furniture or household
belongings, unless of polished nick
lie or brass, which may tarnish a
little. Liquid or other larder sup
plies that are not dry and might alb
sorb the gas, should beremoved from
house. All fires should be put out,
for, while the gas will not burn
under ordinary conditions, it is
as well to take no risks.
"On the floor of each room should
be placed a large porcelain wash
basin, and into each washbasin
should be poured the proportionate
amount of water and sulphuric
acid. 1t may be we'll to place uG,
der each washbasin a thick layer
of newspaper to avoid damage to
carpet or rugs by the possible spat-
tering of the acid acting upon the
cyanide. All windows must be
closed, and if they are not tight
they should be calked with thin
paper or cotton batting.
"Then the operator, beginning at
at the top of the house, drops the
proportionate amount of cyanide of
potassium, previously weighed out
into thin paper sacks, into each
wash bowl, running rapidly from
room to room and instantly closing
the door behind him, descending
ultimately to the ground floor or
even to the cellar, running finally
into the open air through the open
door, which is instantly closed.
"Hydrocyanic acid gas is lighter
than air and consequently rises.
Therefore, the operation must be
begun at the top of the house.
The next morning the operator re-
turns to the house, opens the last
door allows certain amount of
airing; then enters hurriedly and
opens the windows of the first room
or floor; then, after the thorough
airing of this one, another in
turn, thus gradually airing the
whole house. The fumes quickly
overcome and are fatal to human
beings; hence the necessity for the
utmost care and greatest speed
in the initial operation and in
the subsequent airing and
the undesirablity of perform
ing the experiment alone. The
house should not be reinhabited
until all trace of the odor of the
gas has disappeared. This odor
resembles that of peach kernels" :"
The results of an experiment con-
Quoted in a large house are given
in the bulletin. Twenty five lbs.
of cyanide and a corresponding
quantity of acid were used in the
house, with the result that after
the fumigation no living insects
could be found in the house. The
reaches, by thousands, had come
out from their hiding places in a
vain effort to escape, and had rush
ed to the cracks under doors and
windows, and had there perished.
Flies, reaches and bedbugs, and
without doubt all the other house
hold pests were killed. The bed
bugs, against which the fumigation
was especially directed, were found