324 HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 



to attack by redbugs should ever sit on the ground where 

 there is the slightest chance of becoming infested. In fact, 

 it is dangerous for such an individual even to walk among 

 long grass, weeds, raspberry or blackberry bushes, or in 

 other places where redbugs are liable to abound. If one 

 does, ordinary flowers of sulfur should be sprinkled freely 

 over the lower extremities and inside of the stockings. 

 Bradley emphasizes this remedy very strongly, for he has 

 had experience in using sulfur and in going without it in 

 localities where redbugs abound. 



If a hot bath, especially in water to which a liberal 

 amount of salt or soap has been added, can be taken within 

 an hour or two after infection, it will often give relief. 



Redbugs seem to be most prevalent during the months 

 of June, July, August, and the early part of September. 

 In exceptionally warm seasons and far south they may 

 be encountered both earlier and later than this. 



To allay the irritation, a weak solution of ammonia 

 applied to the affected areas is useful. Common baking 

 soda dissolved in water until some remains in the bottom 

 of the dish or until a supersaturated solution is obtained 

 lessens the irritation and affords considerable relief. 

 Alcohol, camphor, and Pond's Extract are used with good 

 effect. Hamilton says that an effectual remedy, if taken 

 in time, is a thorough sponging with a solution of carbolic 

 acid, one ounce in a quart of water, after a good soap bath. 



Lawns, closely cropped, will be free from redbugs, except 

 in shaded areas near shrubbery. In such situations a piece 

 of cloth may be saturated with kerosene and dragged over 

 the grass. This may be followed by dusting flowers of 

 sulfur in its wake with good results. Weeds, tall grasses, 

 blackberry and raspberry bushes must be kept cut. 



