82 MOSQUITO ERADICATION 



"In all mosquito control work, it is economy to select intelligent 

 laborers, who take an interest in the work, and to pay them a higher 

 wage as they become skilled. The extra pay is saved many times over 

 in results and saving of material as compared with the work of untrained 

 labor. The man who notes at a glance whether oil-drips he sees are 

 working properly and goes out of his way to remove an obstruction in 

 a stream, because he knows it may save extensive re-grading, and attends 

 to other apparently trivial but important details, is worth two ordinary 

 laborers. Incompetent laborers are apt to increase operating expenses, 

 and are careless about using oil properly. The work to be done may 

 be scattered over a relatively large area, and the inspector cannot watch 

 the men closely. His work is of such a character that he must often 

 leave his laborers and devote his time to inspection." 



MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT 



As soon as it is definitely known that a campaign is to be put 

 on in any community, the director should immediately take steps 

 to order his materials and equipment. 



Arrangements should at once be made for an adequate supply 

 of oil. Frequently this may be obtained from local concerns, 

 such as railroads, ice-plants, oil refineries, pumping plants, 

 oil-wells, oil dealers etc. If possible, it is generally preferable 

 to get it from local sources, since this may result in lower charges 

 for freight and also may obviate the necessity of arranging for 

 storage. If obtained locally, it usually may be delivered a few 

 barrels at a time as needed. Should this be impossible, however, 

 or should very large quantities be needed, it probably would be 

 preferable to buy from the refinery direct, the oil to be shipped in 

 tank or carload lots. In any event, a definite contract, with 

 optional amounts stated, if necessary, should be entered into, 

 so that there will be no possibility of having the supply give out 

 at a critical time. 



Equipment should include enough sprayers and drip cans to 

 handle any situation that may develop. The sprayers should 

 be ordered early, like the oil, as it may take some time for them 

 to reach the seat of the campaign. Enough tools should also be 

 bought locally for the drainage gang. 



