INSECTS INJURIOUS TO CLOTHES 209 



Hydrocyanic acid gas is quite as effectual for the carpet 

 beetle as it is for the bedbug and may be used in exactly 

 the same manner as was described in the chapter on the 

 latter insect. 



The fumes of sulfur are quite as effective if enough 

 of the sulfur is burned at one time. Not less than two 

 pounds to a thousand cubic feet should be used. The 

 room should be tightly calked and closed as described 

 in the chapter on the bedbugs. We would again call 

 attention to the injury that may result from sulfur fumes 

 to metals, wall paper, and gilt objects. 



As we have pointed out the larvae tend to congregate 

 mostly about the edges of the carpets. It is said that a 

 solution of sixty grains of corrosive sublimate dissolved in 

 a pint of alcohol and applied to the edges and undersides 

 of the carpets around the borders will poison the larvae 

 when they begin to eat the fabric. The alcohol quickly 

 evaporates and leaves the corrosive sublimate among 

 the fibers of the carpet where it will remain a long time. 

 Since this material is such a virulent poison, great care 

 must be exercised in regard to children when playing about 

 the room lest they get hold of some of the material and 

 become poisoned. 



The larvae may be trapped by placing woolen cloths, 

 especially red ones, in closets. Among these, the larvae 

 will congregate and may be caught by shaking the cloths 

 once a week over a piece of paper. 



Furs and woolens may be stored in boxes in the same 

 manner as recommended for protection against clothes 

 moths. The box arranged for the application of carbon 

 bisulfide serves as well in protecting materials from the 

 carpet beetle as it does from clothes moths. 



