Evening star., 1947-07-05
This and That
BIZ Charles E. TraceWel.
FOURTH STREET Sc.

Dear Sir:
within the past week. we have found four
sick sparrows in our front yard.
1--WE fed them milk and bread, and put a
large basket over them for protection from cats
"In the morning the birds were dead We are
puzzled as to the cause of death.
Our house and the house next door have
been painted this past week. Could it be
possible that the birds were poisoned by the
paint? Respectfully w. c. p"
Paint is not likely to kill BIRDS unless they
eat insects which have crawled through it.
Poisonous sprays used in gardens are more
likely to be the cause.
The birds do not eat the poisons directly,
but get them through poisoned insects still
crawling.
While many claims have been made of the
harmlessness to birds of DDT and other high
powered materials, there still are many OBJ
servers who take all such claims with the
proverbial grain Of salt.
They feel certain at least as far as their
observations 60, that no one has yet actually
determined the effects of such sprays on the
bird and small animals.
There is little doubt that DDT, as commonly
used, is dangerous to house cats, although dogs
do not suffer.
The cat is licking animal, and spray on
it's coat is licked off at once A cat which
gets into real spray is in danger.
If a pet cat has been so sprayed, it should
be given an all-over bath at once. Immediately
so that it has no chance to get the dangerous
material inside it.
Though cats do not like to be washed they
should be bathed regardless, once they have
been exposed to the danger of a poisonous
spray.
There are other materials containing deadly
things as phosphorus, which are put out
for rats
Such poisons are unnecessary for rat killing
They endanger little children, dogs and cats
The death in terrible convulsions Of a pet
animal which has taken phosophorous into
its stomach is horrible, and no sane human
willingly would wish such an end to any crea-
ture, yet it sometimes happens through lack OF
knowledge, carelessness and indifference.
The letter which follows shows better way
to kill rats
FALLS CHURCH, Va
Dear Sir:
THE subject of rats is not very pleasant
one, but in a spirit of public safety I am con-
strained to relate a recent experience in the
capture of this most dreaded Of all vermin.
"A recent installation of automatic heat has
resulted in an exposed place at the floor line
which should have been covered by collar.
1.-THE opening just about the So oi tea
spoon, permitted access of full sized rat, anc
his first depreciation was the complete con-
sumption of almost full pound of my favorite
chocolates. f..
II have learned from past experiences that
a rat is too foxy to be trapped, even with q
savory piece of bacon, and since trapped q
handsome cardinal over year ago by setting
rat trap outside, I placed it inside, covering
with fire screen to protect the dog.
There is to be purchased a sure-fire, fool
proof preparation containing red squill, and i
directions are followed to the letter-and
do mean 'letter-the rats will positively bt
eliminated But one should keep eyes open fol
any offspring, and get some one to cover al
holes leading into the house.
Sincerely yours, o. E. c."
Red squilI, material recommended by tn.
Department of Agriculture, is deadly to rats
since they lack the vomit reflex, but onl!
makes cats and dogs ILL., It is best, however
even in its use, to make sure that children
birds, dogs and cats cannot get at the bal
containing it.