Newark post., 1913-06-25
DESTRUCTION OF
HOUSEHOLD INSECTS

n0y us during the summer months,
the publication Of a few Of the
simpler methods of destroying
these too familiar insects. | believe,
would be timely and save answer
ing by letter the numerous re-
quests for relief.
Until comparatively recently, in
sects were looked upon as pests, and
their association with human beings
and other animals was regretted
but seldom dreaded,
Evidence has clearly shown that
many varieties produce annoy
ance, but the majority are capable
Of aiding in the dissemination Of
disease.
The possible methods by which
disease may be disseminated in this
manner can be classed under three
general headings.
First: Insects carrying from
place to place diseases producing
micro-organisms which have been
collected upon their bodies and
limbs by alighting upon wounds,
decomposing foodstuffs and other
infected materials, and then re-
lighting upon other surfaces.
Second: Insects may carry with
in their bodies germs of disease
which have entered with their food
and these may subsequently be de-
posted elsewhere by means Of the
insects discharges.
Third: There are classes Of in
sects which by means of biting and
drawing blood, transmit danger
Gus parasites to the animal which
receives this bite.
The first principle to be consid-
cred and the one which most eff
fectually prevents the presence of
insects, is the establishing Of all
features which promote cleanliness.
With lack of accumulation of
filth and dirt but few insects will
exist. These principles vary as re-
CARDS the species, but in a general
way, it is the accumulation of
waste with lack of fresh air and
sunlight and more or less abund-
ance of moisture that makes the eX-
istence Of insects possible.
FLIES.
This class of insects is probably
the most common during the sum-
mer months. Of this class there are
many varieties. the most common
being the stable fly and the house
fly, each of which has distinctive
characteristics.
These insects propagate with
great rapidity, their common breed
ing places being manure piles, gar
barge or any accumulation Of fifth.
With the maintenance Of any
amount Of this material on the
premises it is impossible to pre-
vent the presence Of flies.
Therefore the first precaution
must be the removal Of such waste.
Manure piles must not be allowed,
and all garbage and other waste
placed in receptacles with fly trap
covers. Other methods, such as
scrubbing of all windows and
doors, the use of sticky fly paper
and fly traps will assist. Under
special conditions, such for in
stance as in bakeries, stores, meat
shops, etc, where foods are more
or less exposed, the placing Of au-
tomatically operated fans directly
over the tables will prevent fly CON
gregation.
A solution sometimes used and
placed about the rooms in cups is
one made by taking a tablespoon
ful Of formaldehyde to every pint
of sweetened milk and water. This
method is worthy of trial.
COCKROACuES.
Reaches are a most common and
offensive insect and, like the fly,
are of many varieties. In the house
hold, they are usually most abund-
ant in pantries and kitchens, In
the neighborhood Of the fireplace
and crevices near the floor; they
feed almost entirely on dead ami
NAL matter, certain cereals, and
other similar products.
After thorough use of insect
powder, the reaches will be num-
bered and must be brushed up and
subsequently burned.
4 MOSQUITOES.
There are many varieties Of this
insect, but they all have one COM
mon breeding place, and that is in
water which has become more or
less stagnant. Without the pre-
sence of swamps, ponds, pools,
marshes, rain barrels, etc, mos