The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-02-27
A NEW INsEcTICIDE.
Kills Moths, Flies, Reaches and Ants
Readily.

para -dichlorobenzene" s the formid-
able name of a chemical compound which
has only recently been used as an insec-
ticide but which, in being non-inham-
mable and comparative inexpensive,
possesses advantages over other fumi-
giants. The IT, S. department of agricul-
lures new bulletin NO. 1917 is entitled,
para -Dichlorobenzene as an Insect Fu-
migant," and points out that the com
pound although deadly to insects r.
harmless to human beings under ordi-
nary conditions and does not have an
odor which clings TO fabrics as do many
insecticides.
Directions for Using.
Para dichlorobenzene is applied in most
instances i'm the same manner as cam
phor and naphthalene. 1t is not, how
ever, 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 suf-
ficient quantity in one or two open or
partially open receptacles placed over,
or higher than the infested cases. goods,
and material which require fumigation.
How Put Up and Cost
Para -dichlorobenzene at the present
time is sold in five, To- %, so and 100
pound and barrel lots, the prices for
which are as follows: % cents per pound
in five, To- and 25-pound lots; Is cents
per pound in 50-pound lots; IL cents per
pound in l00-pound lots; Is cents per
pound in barrel lots.
II any considerable quantity is to be
used it is much better to purchase of
some wholesale druggist or direct from
the manufacturers.
Applicability to Various Insects.
Para -dichlorobehzene is applicable to
many insect pests living under various
conditions and environment, and there
fore requires specific methods of applica-
tion, and. unlike carbon bisulphid, it is
at the present time used only indoors
and in other places where its vapors can
be closely confined. As there is a great
variation in the tenaeity of life among
insects. the existing conditions should be
carefully noted before para -dichloroben-
zene is applied.
Beetles. such a. the rice weevil gran
airy weevil, the confused -four beetle, tho
cadele. the yellow mealworm, and a 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. IL is therefore
recommended that proportionately larg
er amount of para -dichlorobenzene be
used when combating these species.
Moths. flies, reaches, ants and aphiies
are readily killed by para -dichloroben-
zene when used in the ordinary strength
a. previously recommended.
The action of para -dichlorobenzene on
insects is primarily upon their nervous
systems This property Is readily man
ifested when a moth is exposed to tho
yapors for a few seconds. Il first dis
PLAYS great excitement and uneasiness.
followed closely by spasmodic convul-
sious and finally turns over on its back.
While In this position violent nervous
and muscular reflex action is noticed un-
til life i extinct.
Para -dichlorobenzcne is cOlorlcss,
crystalline substance which evaporstes
very quickly as a vapor. II exposed.
Ii "a not advisable for sensitive per-
son 20 remain for a long time in a
closed room where para -dichlorobeuzene
Is freely exposed. a. the odor may Gauss
ANNOYANCE. On the other hand para
can D. used In closed ~
occasionally opened cupboards and even
In sitting rooms without causing any
Whatsoever.