Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 265, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 November 1913 — HOW TO ERADICATE CIMEX LECTULARIUS [ARTICLE]

HOW TO ERADICATE CIMEX LECTULARIUS

Government Bulletin Tells Tow to Dispose of Pest That Goes Under Many Names. A pest that is dreaded by all housewives, but whose presence is not necessarily an indication of carelessness, is the eimeaj lectularius. This insect is called by many names in different localities. An old English name is “wall-louse.” In Boston these parasites are called “chintzes?’. In Baltimore one hears them called “mahogany flats,” and in New York they are styled “red eoats.” “Cimex” fe a name given to the bug by the- Romans, who were well acquainted with it; “lectularius” refers to its habits, being a derivative of “lectus,” meaning bed or couch. A recently issued government bulletin gives a description of this disagreeable kgßßt and the best means ot eradecafing it, as follows: * The,Cimfcc lectularius is not likely to be very active in winter in a cold rooms, and ordinarily hibernates in its place of concealment, but in warm .rooms it may continue its activities the year around. It is an animal that displays a certain degree of wariness and intelligence from its long association with man, Like nearly all insects parasitic on animals, having had slight necessity for extensive locomotion, it has, after many ages, lost its wings. The absence of wings is a most fortunate circumstance, since otherwise there would be no safety from this pest, even for the mast careful and thorough housekeeper. Another characteristic feature of this insect is the very distinct odor which it exhales, an odor characteristic of many plant insects as well. The possession of this odor, disagreeable as it is, is also a fortunate circumstance, as it is of considerable 'assistance in detecting the presence of its owner. This characteristic odor is supposed to have been originally the means of protection against birds that feed on insects, but it has long lost this especial value for the Cimex lectularius. The natural enemies that might be kept away by the odor are already kept away by | the conditions under which it livts, and the roach and house ant, which sometimes feed on these vermin, are not evidently deterred by this charae-, fceristic. The “Cimex,” though normally feeding on human blood, may subsist on much simpler food. No other explanation seems to account for the fact that houses long unoccupied still are infested with the pest. The insect, however, is quite capable of leaving any quarters where it is unable to thrive, and will often migrate to an adjoining house if the residentsdeave its present habitation vacant, it displays such apparent intelligence in using every means of escape, as windows, walls, water pipes and gutters, that it may be the misfortune of any housewife to have 'her premises invaded, despite the best of care. Prom its habits of concealment this pest is usually beyond the reach of powders, and the ordinary insect powders are of practically no value., The eradication of the insect is comparatively easy from iron and brass bedsteads, but all wooden bedsteads offer a much more difficult problem. Very liberal applications of benzine or kerosene, or any petroleum oil, is the most practical way to meet this difficulty. This must be introduced into all crevices with small brushes or feathers, or by injecting with small syringes. Corrosive sublimate is also of value, and oil of turpentine may be used in the same way. The liberal use of boiling hot water, wherever it may be employed without danger to furniture, etc., is also an effectual method of destroying both eggs and active adults.