Breeding places that cannot be removed should have their
surfaces covered with kerosene. This not only catches the
adult females as they attempt to lay their eggs and ^'before
the eggs are laid," but it prevents the larvae from obtaining
air, and, therefore, they die in the water. For ponds and
lakes where kerosene would be objectionable, certain fish
may be introduced, which will feed upon the larvae. About
one ounce of kerosene to every fifteen square feet of water
332 HANDBOOK OF DOMESTIC SCIENCE
surface, with monthly renewals, has been found to be effi-
cient.^ It is far easier to keep mosquitoes out of the house
than to kill them after they are inside. Complete screening
of windows, doors, and beds comes first among remedial
measures. Strong odors are disagreeable to them, so that
burning incense sticks, insect powder, or other fragrant
smudges may clear a room of the pest. The herb penny-
royal, Hedeoma, either fresh or dry, or the oil of the same,
is also effectual.
The adults often hibernate during the cold months in
cellars or outbuildings. Sometimes they are found on ceil-
ings in such quantities that they may be caught by placing
under them cups of kerosene, and scraping them into the
oil or by holding a lamp under them.
Some persons seem to be immune to the "sting" or ''bite"
of mosquitoes, objecting only to their monotonous hum ; others
feel a momentary irritation from the puncture ; while others
suffer pain and inflammation. The irritation may be allayed
and inflammation reduced by applications of cooking soda,
borax, ammonia water, moist salt, and any cooling lotion.
Preventive Methods. — Breeding places abolished, breed-
ing places covered with kerosene, agitation of water, fish in
bodies of water.
Remedies. — Screens, smudges, strong odors.
Lesson III
Bedbugs and Fleas
Apparatus. — Kerosene, naphtha, corrosive sublimate tab-
lets, hot water, insect powder, varnish, feathers, bulb
syringe, spring-bottom oil can ; pieces of wood and bedding
showing stains from mouth secretions and excrement.
1 "The Principal Household Insects of the United States." — L. 0.
Howard and C. L. Maklatt, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Div. of
Entomology, Bull. 4.
HOUSEHOLD PESTS 333
Bedbugs
Hemiptera — Cimicidae — Cimex lectularius.
"Nature never loses a crack or a crevice, mind you, or a joint in a
tavern bedstead, but slie always lias one of her flat-plattern live time-
keepei'S to slide into it." — OLiviiR AVendell Holmes,
Since the above sentence Avas written by our genial Dr.
Holmes the metal bedstead has largely superseded the
Avooden one with its many cracks and crevices. Yet "No
bedstead has yet been made which does not afford it
shelter," says John B. Smith in his "Economic Entomol-
ogy," as late as 1896.
Its presence in a country house may be considered a sign
of filth and neglect, but it cannot be thus construed in a
city house. Yet, although its occasional appearance in the
latter may be excusable, its continuance means inexcusable
carelessness, and should be thought a disgrace; for, when
once seen and known, watchfuluess and proper care will
exterminate it. No easy methods, however, will avail.
The houscAvife must fight for her victory.
Page 162
Presented as published in 1900. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
Breeding places that cannot be removed should have their surfaces covered with kerosene. This not only catches the adult females as they attempt to lay their eggs and ^'before the eggs are laid," but it prevents the larvae from obtaining air, and, therefore, they die in the water. For ponds and lakes where kerosene would be objectionable, certain fish may be introduced, which will feed upon the larvae. About one ounce of kerosene to every fifteen square feet of water
surface, with monthly renewals, has been found to be efficient.^ It is far easier to keep mosquitoes out of the house than to kill them after they are inside. Complete screening of windows, doors, and beds comes first among remedial measures. Strong odors are disagreeable to them, so that burning incense sticks, insect powder, or other fragrant smudges may clear a room of the pest. The herb pennyroyal, Hedeoma, either fresh or dry, or the oil of the same, is also effectual.
The adults often hibernate during the cold months in cellars or outbuildings. Sometimes they are found on ceilings in such quantities that they may be caught by placing under them cups of kerosene, and scraping them into the oil or by holding a lamp under them.
Some persons seem to be immune to the "sting" or ''bite" of mosquitoes, objecting only to their monotonous hum ; others feel a momentary irritation from the puncture ; while others suffer pain and inflammation. The irritation may be allayed and inflammation reduced by applications of cooking soda, borax, ammonia water, moist salt, and any cooling lotion.
Preventive Methods. — Breeding places abolished, breeding places covered with kerosene, agitation of water, fish in bodies of water.
Remedies. — Screens, smudges, strong odors.
Lesson III
Bedbugs and Fleas
Apparatus. — Kerosene, naphtha, corrosive sublimate tablets, hot water, insect powder, varnish, feathers, bulb syringe, spring-bottom oil can ; pieces of wood and bedding showing stains from mouth secretions and excrement.
1 "The Principal Household Insects of the United States." — L. 0. Howard and C. L. Maklatt, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Div. of Entomology, Bull. 4.
Bedbugs Hemiptera — Cimicidae — Cimex lectularius.
"Nature never loses a crack or a crevice, mind you, or a joint in a tavern bedstead, but slie always lias one of her flat-plattern live timekeepei'S to slide into it." — OLiviiR AVendell Holmes,
Since the above sentence Avas written by our genial Dr. Holmes the metal bedstead has largely superseded the Avooden one with its many cracks and crevices. Yet "No bedstead has yet been made which does not afford it shelter," says John B. Smith in his "Economic Entomology," as late as 1896.
Its presence in a country house may be considered a sign of filth and neglect, but it cannot be thus construed in a city house. Yet, although its occasional appearance in the latter may be excusable, its continuance means inexcusable carelessness, and should be thought a disgrace; for, when once seen and known, watchfuluess and proper care will exterminate it. No easy methods, however, will avail. The houscAvife must fight for her victory.