COCKROACHES 381 



Pyrethrum Powder 



A safer, and sometimes as effective, fumigant is pyrethrum powder 

 burned in infested quarters. The only precautions here needed is to see 

 that the places under fumigation are tightly closed. 



Sulphur 



Fumigation for a period of six hours with fumes created by burning 

 sulphur, four pounds per 1,000 cubic feet of space, is also recommended 

 for the extermination of roaches. There are other substances possessing 

 some value as fumigants but the above-mentioned materials comprise the 

 most promising of them. 



Poisons 



In cases of moderate infestation, or occurrence in situations incon- 

 venient for fumigation, some one of several substances poisonous to 

 roaches can be employed. Our household species, however, especially 

 the alert Croton bug, are not always easily persuaded to partake of 

 poisoned food, as they appear to possess an uncanny knowledge of what 

 materials are unhealthy for them to eat. In their ability to look out for 

 themselves, and foil the attempts of man to destroy them, they have been 

 compared to that wily bird, the crow. But in spite of their intelligence 

 in avoiding pitfalls set in their way, they are more or less subject to 

 control by various poisons and repellents. 



Sodium Fluoride 



This material has but recently come into prominence as a roach 

 exterminator, but it is very surely the best remedy in the way of poisons 

 now known. This powder probably kills both by contact and certainly 

 as an internal poison, and by its use an infested apartment may be soon 

 completely cleared of roaches. It is used either pure or diluted with one- 

 half part flour or some other such substance. It is not injurious to man 

 unless taken in considerable quantities and thus its use is not attended with 

 danger. The powder is scattered about the haunts of roaches and blown 

 into cracks and crannies occupied by them with a dust gun, or blower. 



Borax 



Powdered borax, used pure as a repellent, or mixed with some sub- 

 stance attractive to roaches as a poison, is an effective remedy in many 

 cases. One part of borax to three parts of pulverized chocolate is said 

 to be a good mixture. 



