Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 June 1877 — Carbolic Acid for Insects. [ARTICLE]

Carbolic Acid for Insects.

A writer in the Gardener's Monthly gives his experience in the use of carbolic acid for destroying all sorts of insects and lice which infests fruit trees, house plants, etc. If possible obtain crude acid, because it is stronger and better in this form. First make a good strong suds of domestic soft soap, and into this pour a quantity of the acid and let it remain a few hours. Then test it by mixing a little with soft water. If too much acid has been used oily particles will float on the surface; in which case use more soap, until the same will balance the excess of acid. No more definite rule can be given, and a little practice will enable one to compound it correctly. Apply with a sponge or syringe. Generally it will not injure the foliage of the most delicate house plant.