Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 January 1917 — RID HOME OF PEST [ARTICLE]

RID HOME OF PEST

PRACTICAL ON ERADICATION OF BEDBUGS. -[ — Simple Preparations, Applied With Diligence, will Do the Work, According to Bulletin- of the Bureau of Entomology. ■ Those who are troubled by bedbugs will find practical Information as to how to deal effectively with these pests In Farmers' Bulletin 754,' “Bedbugs,” recently published by the department. ,In_lhis_bulletin C. L. Marlatt of bureau of entomology makes clear the habits of these? insects which have a bearing on their eradication, and suggests a number of simple, household measures, as well as more radical methods, of getting rid of them. The author calls attention especially to the fact that these insects will migrate from an unoccupied to an inhabited house and points out that the fact that they ordinarily hide in the daytime minkes it necessary to apply the insecticides in cracks in walls and floor and crevices under wall paper, where the Insects ordinarily are concealed and lay their eggs. Information as to' the ability'of bedbugs to withstand cold and to go without food for long periods should be especially useful to those intending to-move into houses long untenanted.

Of the simpler remedies the entomologist says that benzine, kerosene, or other lighter petroleum oils introduced into crevices by means of a brush or syringe ar<e perhaps the most efficient. The bulletin also gives directions for fumigation with sulphur or other chemicals, which Will be found economical and effective in cases of general infestation. Those who have been bitten will find applications of peroxide of hydrogen useful in allaying irritation.- Tincture of iodine, in its ordinary or double strength, Js also a good counter-irritant for use in cases of fleas, mosquitoes, bedbugs, or other insect bites. lodine, however, should be used with caution on the tender skin of small childen and on those who are affected with or disposed to eczemic disorders. The bulletin will be supplied free by the department as long as the supply lasts.