The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-03-01
A new CHEAP lnSECTICIDE
that Will DANISH PESTS
Para-dichlorobenzene, Non-inhammable
and inexpensive, Will Kill Moths,
Flies, Reaches and Ants and In
sects Attacking Stored Grain

Washington, d. c., March l.
"Para- a-dichlorobenzene" is the for
midable name of chemical compound
which has only recently been used as
an insecticide, but which, in being non
infiammable and comparatively mex
pensive, possesses advantages over 9TH
er fumigants. The U. s. Department
of Agriculture new bulletin (No.
167) is entitled, 'Para- -dichloroben-
zene as an Insect Fumigant" and
points out that the compound, although
deadly TO insects, is harmless to human
beings under ordinary conditions and
does not have an odor which clings to
fabrics, as do many insecticides.
a-dichlorobenzene is applied in
most instances in the same manner as
camphor and naphthalene. 1t is not,
however, necessary to sprinkle it
around in corners or over rugs and
other material, as is often the case
with camphor and naphthalene, but
merely to expose a sufficient quantity
in one or two open or partially closed
receptacles, placed over, or higher,
than the infested cases, goods and ma
terial which require fumigation.
Para-d a-dichlorobenzene at the present
time is sold in 5, 10, 25, so and 100
pound and barrel lots, the prices for
which are as follows: 23 cents per
pound, in 5, 10 and 25-pound lots; Is
cents per pound in 50-pound lots; II
cents per pound, in 100-pound lots; Is
cents per pound, in barrel lots.
If any considerable quantity is to
be used, it is much better to purchase
of some wholesale druggist or direct
from the manufacturers.
ra-dichlorobenzene is applicable
to many insect pests living under vari-
Gus conditions and environment and,
therefore, requires specific methods of
application, and, unlike carbon bisul-
phid, it is at the present time used only
indoors and in other places where its
vapors can be closely confined. As
there is great variation in the tenac-
ity of life among insects, the existing
conditions should be carefully noted
before ra-dichlorobenzene is applied.
Beetles, such as the rice weevil,
granary weevil, the confused -four
beetle, the cadelle, the yellow meal
worm and few Others less common,
are particularly hard to kill when in
the adult stage. The larvae of certain
other mealworms are likewise found
by experiment to possess great tenacity
of life. 1t is, therefore, recommended
that a proportionately larger amount
of para a-dichlorobenzene be used when
combating these species. Moths, flies,
reaches, ants and aphides are readily
killed by observation-disclosures when
used in the ordinary strangeth, as pre-
viously recommended.
The action of observation-disclosures
on insects is primarily upon their nerv-
Gus systems This property is readily
manifested when a moth is exposed to
the vapors for few seconds. 1t first
diplays great excitement and uneasi-
ness, followed closely by spasmodic
convulsions, and finally turns over on
its back. While in this position violent
nervous and muscular reflex action is
noticed until life is extinct.
ra-dichlorohenzene is a colorless,
crystalline substance, which evaporates
very quickly as vapor, if exposed. 1t
is not advisable for sensitive persons
to remain for a long time in closed
room where para -dichlorobenzene is
freely exposed, as the odor may cause
annoyance. On the other hand, para
dichlorobenzene can be used in closed
or occasionally opened cupboards and
even in sitting rooms without causing
any inconvenience whatsoever.