The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1913-07-18
COST IN DOLLARS
AND HUMAN lives
Scientists Say Fly Costs Us
Over $1OO,OOO,OOO a Year.
DISEASE FOLLOWS The PEST

Methods of DISCRIMINATING Deadly In
sect Are Bringing Satisfactory Re-
suits In Nearly Every City-Minne-
sofa State Entomoloeist's Report a
Model For All to Follow
Figured out in money, to say moth
ing of the loss in human life, the cost
to the United States annually Of sup
porting its fly population amounts to
$1j7 100000, say government experts
who have been making a study of the
results of the germ spreading activi-
ties of the insects.
It is estimated that the fly is re-
sponsible for an expenditure Of $780,
100000 for the handling Of tubercu-
losis cases, attributable to germs
spread by the pests, while $T0,O0O,OO0
represents the cost of typhoid fever
cases, originating in the same way.
AS a carrier Of intestinal fever and
summer complaint diseases and trans
porting agency of dysentery the fly,
scientists say, must be charged with
an expenditure of 100000 for the
care of these diseases.
The statistics and the realization
that thousands of human lives are be-
ing sacrificed annually because no
method has been devised for abolish
ing the fly explain why health officials
generally and the health departments
of practically every municipality this
summer are making active efforts to
arouse citizens to the Importance Of
keeping the pests away from their
food supplies and places of habitation.
Results Are Gratifying.
Satisfactory results are being obtain
ed in nearly every city where ant-fy
campaigns are in progress. In almost
every one there has been noticeable
falling off in the size of the. pest horde,
fact that is almost daily commented
upon by the inspectors Of the local
health departments.
In most cities the warfare on the fly
was inaugurated with a cleanup cam
paign. After that the method consist
ed principally of bringing to the at
tCHIiOu VI Dy "
tional posters, letters and newspaper
articles suggestions for fly eradication
that had been tried out with success
previously.
A bulletin issued by the state ento-
mologist Of Minnesota embodies most
of the methods by which the deadly
pest may be exterminated and is a
model for cities conducting or plan
ming an anti-1y crusade.
"In the early spring clear up all ref.
use heaps, filth Of all kinds manure
piles; garbage heaps, old cans, trash
Of every sort and abolish as Tar as
possible other places where flies may
breed" states the report Of the Min
neSota entomologist. screens should
be used freely on all doors and win
dows- The prompt disposal Of garbage
should be arranged for, and swill bar
refs and garbage cans should be tight
~ closed Use some form Of fly trap
with the proper bait and continuously
| place 1t where 1t will do the most
good"
Other Precautionary Meaearee.
Other precautions suggested by the
| Minnesota official and indorSed by
health authorities everywhere are the
| following:
"Do not build stable near dwelling
house; arrange for prompt removal OF
stable manure from your vicinity and
keep manure covered and in dark unit
removed. Keep your premises clean
as free as possible from filth of al
kinds, slop water, garbage and refuse
heaps. If your neighbor allows such
nuisances upon his own premises com
plain Of him to your board of health.
"a safe and effective poison Is made
by adding three teaspoonfuls of forma
lin in pint of half milk and half wa
ter. This is particularly useful where
flies do not have access to othel
sources of moisture. 1t should be KEPT
out of the reach of children and might
be placed In a Mason fruit jar invert
ed in shallow dish and 30 arranged
as to feed the liquid into the dish as
fast as needed, or 1t might be poured
into an open dish and placed near the
sink or wherever flies gather. Othel
| sOuroaa of unicfurn ubOUid no kaDi