INSECT CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS—KNIPLING 
Even though the obstacles mentioned 
limited the amount of research that 
could be done on this problem, im- 
portant progress was made. 
Although several treatments were 
developed, the NBIN concentrate al- 
ready mentioned in connection with 
the discussion on lice was adopted as 
the standard preparation. ‘This mate- 
rial in concentrated form, when di- 
luted (1 part in 5 parts of water) and 
thoroughly applied to the entire body, 
in all experimental cases gave com- 
plete control of scabies. There is 
strong evidence that this formula is 
more effective than other preparations 
containing the same amount of benzyl 
benzoate. This is thought to be due 
to added scabicidal and ovicidal prop- 
erties of the benzocaine. There is no 
evidence that the DDT present aids in 
controlling scabies. Its function is to 
control lice when the preparation is 
employed for that purpose. 
New materials were also tested to 
determine their scabicidal properties. 
In evaluating new compounds, it was 
necessary to limit the tests to a few 
selected materials. Only those that 
were toxicologically safe as determined 
by the United States Food and Drug 
Administration were considered. Even 
with these handicaps we discovered 
several chemicals which in preliminary 
tests were indicated to be equal to, or 
perhaps better than, benzyl benzoate. 
Ticks—These important disease 
transmitters were also included among 
the problems studied, but no impor- 
tant progress was made. Many mate- 
rials considered to be effective insecti- 
cides or repellents proved useless 
against ticks. 
Some measure of protection for indi- 
viduals was provided by treating the 
clothing with dimethyl phthalate, 
benzyl benzoate, Indalone, and cer- 
tain other chemicals. These treat- 
ments were considered to give 99 per- 
cent protection against the larval tick 
(seed ticks), 90 percent against the 
nymphs, and about 50 to 60 percent 
against the adult forms. 
Culicoides (sand fties) —Culicoides and 
347 
related insects are important in the 
United States chiefly as an annoyance, 
In certain regions of the world the true 
sand fly (Phlebotomus) is highly impor- 
tant as a disease carrier. No oppor- 
tunities were afforded to test materials 
against Phlebotomus, but some repellent 
and insecticide tests were conducted 
against the Culicoides which are com- 
mon and very annoying along the 
coastal regions of Florida. It was 
found that materials and methods use- 
ful for mosquito control were also 
helpful in combating the sand flies. 
Educational Service 
One of the most important functions 
of the Orlando Laboratory during its 
period of operation was to disseminate 
the information obtained on the con- 
trol of insects of medical importance. 
Many people from various parts of the 
world visited the laboratory in order 
to get first-hand information on the 
most recent developments in the con- 
trol of the insects under investigation. 
Most of these were entomologists, 
medical officers, and engineers in the 
armed services and in public health 
services who were charged with the 
responsibility of controlling insects and 
insect-borne diseases among military 
personnel and civilians. The visitors 
also included scientists from many of 
the Allied nations. Courses of instruc- 
tion were offered to groups at regular 
intervals. 
The constant stream of visitors 
naturally interrupted the research 
activities somewhat, but this educa- 
tional service represented one of the 
most important functions of the labo- 
ratory. Information on new methods 
and materials to control insects was 
made available first hand to hundreds 
of men who in turn traveled to many 
parts of the world to instruct others 
on the use of new techniques for con- 
trolling insects. Others returned to 
their laboratories to carry out further 
research in efforts to improve on mate- 
rials and methods already developed. 
Members of the Orlando staff were 
