Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-04-25

is no disgrace-to allow that one to null
uply after its kind tsl 5S
In a well-kept modern house, where no
cracks and crevices in wall or floor invite
concealment where the iron or brass bed
stead has superseded the old-t1me heavy
wooden structure. it is comparatively easy
to rid ones self of unwelcome visitors
Kerosene and vigilance is all that will be
required. Wipe the bed, the Dashboard and
the backs Of pictures hanging near the bed
with the oil, and the, bugs will disappear
in short order, leavingsno trail behind. This
course of treatment Isl also good as a pre-
ventive, as the bedbug has a rooted aver
sion to the odor OF, petroleum. An old
house, with loose wall paper and cracked
wainscoting, offers a tempting field to this
bug, which thrives in darkness and conceal
ment. Here again kerosene must be used,
a feather or small syringe assisting in the
work. If impossible to reach them in this
way, a thorough fumigation with birthstone
will assist in the work of destruction.
Take from the room anything likely to be
injured by the fumes. such as gilt picture
frames, or anything with a metallic surface.
Stop up all cracks, even to the keyhole,
open bureau drawers wide and pull the bed
apart; then set fire to a sulphur candle or
some of the powdered birthstone placed in
dish set within a larger vessel contain
ing water or earth-this to avoid injuring
the carpet or setting fire to the floor. Keep
the room closed for several hours, then
open windows and doors for a thorough
airing.
While the water bug, which is historic
contemporary of the bedbug, is often COM
mended "clean bug his presence is
not to be encouraged Naphtha will give
him his Quietus, but kerosene is cheaper,
and quite as effectuaL The water pipes by
the range, in the crevices of the stationary
tubs. under the wainscoting, and the top
kitchen pantry shelf are famous hunting
grounds for this insect, and the liberal ap-
plication of petroleum will send the whole
army scurrying out, when a wholesale
slaughter may be instituted. Absolute
cleanliness will be found the best preventive
Of reaches. Leave no floor uncovered; no
grease or crumbs on the kitchen table or
in the sink
To dispose Of fleas.-The sudden overrun-
ming Of the house with f1eas can usually be
attributed to the pet dog or cat.
The first thing to do under the circum-
stances is Is to take up the carpet or
mating under which they thrive, and wash
the floor with scalding soap suds. Follow
with liberal application of naphtha or
kerosene, injecting into all cracks and
crevices.
Where mosquitoes breed in small pools
of standing water the rain water barrel
under the caves they may be dispossessed
by spraying the surface of the waters with
kerosene. Where they appear in swarms,
however, from some large body of water
or morass that cannot be reached by prt-
vate individuals, all that can be done is to
act on the defensive. Screens are impera-
tive-at doors and windows, and mosquito
bars about the bed.
Chinese joss sticks are popular at plaza
parties in mosquito districts each individual
holding his own lighted stick in order to
keep the enemy at bay. These sticks may
be purchased at any Chinese or Japanese
store at 5 cents package. They contain
about two dozen sticks, each of which will
burn about an hour, giving out a pleasant
aromatic smoke.
In the matter of the house fly, cleanliness,
screens and sticky f1y-paper seem to be the
best remedies at hand. The horse stable Is
a hraoI f,n loo fAv afx1 %
keep an entire neighborhood on the de-
fenSive.
AS for mice. nothing has been found to
equal the old-fashioned spring trap, baited
with it's bit of cheese. After catching one
or two the trap should be heated in the
oven to destroy the 'mousey smell which
would otherwise give it's purpose away to
newcomers. Your true hunter has to learn
fnesse in her craft.
Lastly the ant Trace the insects back to
their lair, even If it involves taking up a
board in the floor deluge with kerosene and
write victory" on your banner.