Handbook of domestic science and household arts for use in elementary schools

With this insect, prevention is preeminently important. In cities the pest may be greatly diminished by strict attention to stable, street, and back-yard cleanness. The prompt collection of horse droppings from the street or stable; their storage in tightly covered receptacles, or the covering of them with lime when exposed; the burning of garbage; cleanness of yards, sheds, etc. ; food materials kept well covered that no eggs may be deposited ; no wet places left to furnish them food, — all these are absolutely necessary before diminution in numbers can be hoped for. Another preventive measure is early and complete screening of doors, windows, and chimneys even, for in many localities and in houses where there are open fire-places the chimneys furnish comfortable shelters from wind and rain, while the smell of food draws the flies down into the house. The common objection of the "men folks" that screens keep flies in rather than out is partly true. This may be overcome by making a few conical holes near the top of the screens, from the inside. These should be of such shape as would be made by a sharpened lead pencil, the large end opening into the room inviting the flies to walk in; the small end allowing them to squeeze through into the sunshine. They are seldom able to return in reverse order. Screens, too, so lessen the air and light supply and impair pleasant views, that their use is a doubtful blessing. Flies are usually day-fliers, and as they prefer light and revel in sunshine, rooms should be occasionally darkened with only a small aperture into the open air or into a lighter room. The flies will seek the light or they may be forcibly encouraged to leave. Perhaps there is no better fly-driver than the many long, narrow strips of newspaper tied to a flexible stick. These switch and rustle so angrily that the flies are frightened by both noise and movement, and seek to escape into the light. Various traps, from the tumbler of soap-suds covered with a perforated paper or card, the underside smeared with molasses as a bait, to the more elaborate varieties of wire gauze and other devices, are effective to a greater or less degree. '' Fly-papers " may be put under the head of traps. The ordinary whisk broom may be effectual to kill individual flies when they would escape from a smooth surface. It acts like the wire '' spatter." Certain mixtures are recommended to attract, to stupefy, or to poison them ; to insure death the flies should afterward be collected and burned. Two of these are given. Beat together the yolk of an egg, a tablespoonful of molasses, and the same of finely ground black pepper ; spread thin. Boil ^ ounce quassia chips in 1 pint water; mix with this 4 ounces molasses ; place in shallow plates. Preventive Measures. — Strict and thorough care of stables and streets, cleanness in house and surrounding, absence or disinfection of breeding-places, early and thorough screening. Remedies. — Drive out into light; darkened rooms with small outlet into the light; traps, stupefying mixtures. Mosquitoes Diptera Culicidae — Culex pungens and Others. — The mosquito is by some persons considered to be a pleasing musician, by others a torment, and by others still an enemy armed with, no mean weapons.