Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1916-06-08
DISEASE PREVENTION
FOR FARM HOMES
Screening Against Flies And Use Of
Earth Closets 10 Advised.
T. H. TALIAFERRO.
Maryland Agricultural College.

anCe OF lies. In rural communities,
especially on the farm. it seems prac-
tically impossible to prevent the fly
nuisance on the farm. particularly so.
IL there are number of animals about
the place.
The fly, primarily q scavenger.
would be blessing If he would con-
fine himself strictly to that business
and remain at or near the manure pile,
etc. He insists, however, on travelling,
and thus finds his way into houses,
even those in which an honest effort
is made to keep the premises, particu-
larly the kitchen, clean, and to put
scraps, parings, ETC., into properly GOV,
cred cans.
The Fly Pest.
His favorite abode, when sojourning
at the house, is the kitchen or dining
room, and his choice as to resting
place and supply station is the food to
be eaten or the utensil in which 1t Is
served He is also very fond roaming
over the face, particularly the lips, OF
sleeping child. This desire Is
strengthened when evidences of in
diligence in food. generally stick or
greasy in nature, are found around the
mouth.
Unless measures are taken which
will prevent his doing so, the proba'
bility is that the fly, in his journeys to
and from the house, has RECALLED him.
self upon human excreta or waste and
that he is furnishing free transporta-
ton for typhoid. dysentery, and other
disease germs which are found in the
excreta.
Having reached the house, the fly.
regardless of the fact that he may, for
example, be teeming with colon bacilli.
enters upon his regular routine, with
the altogether too frequent result that
there is an outbreak Of typhoid fever.
Proper Sanitation.
On the farm 1t Is not always posi-
Bile, however, to have an up-to-date
sanitary system. 1t is possible, how
ever, to build or remodel privy, so
that the fly can not gain access to the
human excreta. In this way, the OPP
portunity for the fly to transmit GER
Tain disease germs to the food which Ia
to be eaten in the house, ETC., Is mini
mized. 1t is imperative that such pro,
lection should be afforded, II health
Is to be conserved. The question OF
the slight increase in cost, If any,
should not carry weight as an objec-
ton, for the reason that one outbreak
of typhoid fever or dysentery, with
the resultant loss Of time and money,
will prove far more expensive. Do not,
however, make the mistake so often
observed on farms, and elsewhere, OF
providing proper accommodation for
everyone except the servants. The hy
does not differentiate when he Is forag-
ing, neither do the colon bacilli con-
slider social distinctions when choos-
Ing an abiding place. Screening the
dwelling house is important. but it is
not sufficient. The privy must be san
itary and fly proof. If it is fly proof,
it is also impossible for fowls and
animals to gain access to the human
excreta.
Dry Earth Closet.
One of the best types of privies is
the dry earth closet, in which the fresh
excreta is covered with small amount
of dry earth taken from box con-
venientiy placed in the building. Lime
also may be used with excellent re-
suits.
AS to the construction Of the build
ing, individual tastes may govern, pro-
vided the fly Is kept out and the place
Is kept In good order. Covers should
be provided for the openings in the
seat when not In use. The door, and
particularly the window, should be
screened to keep out flies and to per.
nit the circulation of fresh air. Buck.
cts or similar receptacles should be 80
placed beneath the openings as to re-
ceiye the excreta. The buckets should
be removed at intervals, cleansed and
replaced. II 1t is not possible to OBJ
tain suitable buckets, water-tight
trough should be built with stout
ring in the end or side and sledge
runners under it. The ring and the
sledge runners will prove to be of
great advantage when it is found nee
essary to remove the trough for empty
ing, etc. An application Of lime in and
around the trough or buckets from
time to time will improve the sanitary
conditions. A door which will fit tight
when closed should be placed at the
rear or side of the building to facili-
tate the removal of the buckets or
trough. This door may be fitted with
hinges or may slide in a groove. The
latter is probably the better. 1t may
be built entirely OF wood, but stout
wooden frame covered with heavy
close me she'd wire is preferable, as 1t
permits the free circulation of air,
which tends to keep down offensive
odors.
Dispose OF Waste.
It Is useless to build sanitary, fly
proof building unless 1t is kept in good
shape and a place provided for the
disposal of the excreta. 1t may be
buried, put in compost heap, II
thought safe, ETC., but it must be pro-
tected from flies until the germs Of
typhoid fever dysentary, etc, are
destroyed by bacteria.
Any information desired regarding
the construction, etc, of fy-proof
earth closet may be obtained from the
Engineering Division of the Maryland
Agricultural College, College Park, Md.