which the bugs can force their flat, thin bodies, extermination becomes 

 a matter of considerable dilHculty. The most practicable way to effect 

 this end is by very liberal applications of benzine or kerosene or any 

 other of the petroleum oils. These must be introduced into all crevices 

 with small brushes or feathers or by injecting with small syringes. 

 Corrosive sublimate is also of value, and oil of turpentine may be used 

 in the same way. The liberal use of hot water, wherever it may be 

 employed without danger to furniture, etc., is also an effectual method 

 of destroying both eggs and active bugs. Various bedbug remedies and 

 mixtures are for sale, most of them containing one or another of the 

 ingredients mentioned, and these are frequently of value. The great 

 desideratum, however, in a case of this kind, is a daily inspection of 

 beds and bedding and of all crevices and locations about the premises 

 where these vermin may have gone for concealment. A vigorous cam- 

 paign should, in the course of a week or so at the outside, result in the 

 extermination of this very obnoxious and embarrassing pest. 



In the case of rooms containing books, or where liquid applications 

 are inadvisable, a thorough fumigation with l)rimstone is, on the author- 

 ity of the late Dr. J. A. Lintner, then New York State entomologist, an 

 effective means of destruction. He says: 



Place in the center of the room a dish containing about 4 ounces of brimstone, 

 within a larger vessel, so tliat tlie possible overtlowiijg of the burning mass may 

 not injure the carpet or set tire to the floor. After removing from the room all 

 sucli metallic surfaces as might be affected by the fumes, close every aperture, 

 even the keyholes, and set fire to the brimstone. When four or five hours have 

 elapsed the room may be entered and the windows opened for a thorough airing. 



The sulphur or brimstone remedy has been used very successfully 

 by Dr. C. W. Stiles, of the Bureau of Public Health and Marine- 

 Hospital Service, for the disinfection of frame cottages, such as those 

 at seaside resorts, where, from neglect, infestation with liedbugs may 

 often occur. The treatment is inexpensive compared with the use of 

 hydrocyanic-acid gas and offers much less risk of danger to human 

 beings. Two pounds of sulphur are reconnnended for each thousand 

 cubic feet of space, and the buildings should be closed for treatment at 

 least twenty-four hours. Sulphur candles may be used where available. 

 The precautions indicated in the quotation from Doctor Lintner should 

 be observed. 



The fact that the l)edl>ug has a very active enemy in the common 

 house cockroach has already been alluded to, and the proof seems to 

 be fairly conclusive. Another common insect visitor in houses, and a 

 very annoj'ing one also to the careful housekeeper — the little red ant 

 {Monomorium pharaonis) — is also known to be a very active and 

 effective enemy of the bedbug. Mr. Theo. Pergande, of this office, 

 informs me that during the civil war, when he was in the Union army, 

 he occupied at one time barracks at Meridian, Miss., which had been 



