INSECT PESTS OF THE HOUSEHOLD. 



271 



the same substance, which will quickly evaporate, 

 leaving no odor after a short time. The inflamma- 

 bility of benzine, however, should be remembered, 

 and no lie-lit should be brought near it." 



The Bed Bug. 



Acanthia lectularia. 



A short account of this notorious pest will be suffi- 

 cient for the present purpose. Many people will rec- 

 ognize the peculiar flat- 

 tened creatures repre- 

 sented at Fig. 142, as 

 former acquaintances, 

 and those who do not so 

 recognize them are to be 

 congratulated. The eggs 

 of these insects are laid 

 in the cracks of walls and bedsteads, and the young 

 (a) do not differ essentially, except in size, from the 

 adult (b). Bed Bugs are able to exist a long time 

 without food, and on the other hand, when food is 

 abundant they multiply with remarkable rapidity. 



Remedies. — Spraying the cracks of walls, beds, 

 etc., where these insects occur with benzine is the 

 best manner of destroying them. This substance 

 kills the eggs as well as the adults. Great care, of 

 course, should be taken to prevent their ingress to 

 the house. 



Fig. 142. Bed Bug: a, young; 

 b, adult. Magnified. 



