16 Farmers' Bulletin 73^. 



then be removed and the dead flies shaken out. the door replaced, and 

 the trap set upright without loss of many of the living flies. 



STICKY FLY PAPERS. 



Sticky fly papers are of some value in destroying flies which have 

 gained access to houses, but they have marked limitations and nu- 

 merous objectionable features. For use out of doors traps are much 

 more effective and economical. 



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 teaspoonfuls of formaldehyde 

 to a pint of a mixttire 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. Brown sugar or 

 molasses and water with 2i per cent formaldehyde (commercial, 

 40 per cent solution) added will probably also give satisfactory re- 

 sults. As far as possible other liquids should be removed when poi- 

 soned baits are exposed. 



The use of poison solutions, especially arsenical solution in tul)S 

 containing portions of animal carcasses, has been tried and advocated 

 against tlie screw-worm by a number of stockmen. A comparatively 

 weak poison solution — about 1 gallon of dip, diluted for use on cattle, 

 to 7 gallons of Avater — is sufficient. Best results usually have been 

 secured where a considerable portion of the animal matter was 

 allowed to protrude from the poison solution, as there is a tendency 

 for the solution to harden the bait and prevent its decomposition, 

 thus reducing its attraction for flies. 



CAUTION. 



It should be borne in mind that formaldehyde, 40 per cent, is poison about 

 in the same proportion as wood alcohol, if taken intemallj'. 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 baits and to prevent the 

 poisoned flies from dropping into foods or drinks. Arsenical solutions, as is 

 well known, are extremely poisonous to man and animals. Care should be 

 taken to protect the poisoned baits from live stock and it is not advisable 

 to have the baits close to barnyards where fowls are kept, as they may be 

 poisoned by eating the dead flies. 



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