452 HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 



Empty the contents of jars, after the fumigation is over, 

 in the sewer or other safe place. The jars are perfectly 

 good to use again for any purpose but, of course, should be 

 thoroughly washed to remove all traces of the acid and 

 cyanide. 



CARBON BISULFIDE 



The vapor of carbon bisulfide was probably first used 

 to kill insects about the middle of the nineteenth century. 

 Since that time its use for this purpose has steadily in- 

 creased until now it is counted among our most useful 

 insecticides. 



Carbon bisulfide is a colorless water-like liquid one- 

 fourth heavier than water. When pure, it has a not 

 unpleasant odor and will not stain or injure the finest 

 fabrics. The commercial product, however, has a slightly 

 yellowish tinge and a most unpleasant odor, due to its 

 impurities. The commercial product is apt to leave a 

 slight residue after evaporation and therefore usually 

 leaves a stain on the fabrics which it touches. Carbon 

 bisulfide evaporates very rapidly when exposed to the 

 air. The vapor, which is 2.63 times heavier than air, 

 settles rapidly downward. Unfortunately, it is both 

 inflammable and explosive. It ignites at 300 degrees F., 

 and therefore cannot be approached with a lighted lan- 

 tern, lamp, pipe, cigar, or with fire in any form. 



Effect of vapor on man. — The vapor of carbon bisul- 

 fide is poisonous to man, but it is not nearly so virulent as 

 hydrocyanic acid gas. When large quantities of the vapor 

 are inhaled for a considerable period, it produces giddiness, 

 followed by vomiting and finally death if the inhalation 

 continues long enough. Those who have worked with 



