FLYTRAPS AND THEIR OPERATION. 13 
Dr. Crumbine, of the Kansas State Board of Health, gives the fol- 
lowing method for preparing fly paper: 
“Take 2 pounds of rosin and 1 pint of castor oil, heat together 
until it looks like molasses. Take an ordinary paint brush and 
smear while hot on any kind of paper—an old newspaper is good— 
and place several about the room. A dozen of these may be made 
at a cost of 1 cent.” 
POISONED BAITS. 
The question of destruction of flies with poisons is somewhat out 
of place here, but the close relationship of poisoned baits to trap- 
ping warrants a brief statement. 
Probably the best poisoned bait for house flies is formaldehyde in 
milk used at the rate of about two tablespoonfuls of formaldehyde 
to a pint of a mixture of equal parts of milk and water. This is 
placed in flat dishes in places frequented by flies. A piece of bread 
or a sponge in the dish adds to the effectiveness. Stale beer or 
molasses and water with 8 per cent formaldehyde added will prob- 
ably also give satisfactory results. As far as possible other liquids 
should be removed when poisoned baits are exposed. 
CAUTION. 
It should be borne in mind that formaldehyde, 40 per cent, is poison about 
in the same proportion as wood alcohol, if taken internally. It should not be 
inhaled, nor should the eyes be unduly exposed to it. Special pains should | 
be taken to prevent children from drinking poisoned haits and to prevent the 
poisoned flies from dropping into foods or drinks. 
