414 SCIENCE OF HOME AND COMMUNITY 



provided with a base in which bait may be placed to attract 

 the flies, so that the trap may be kept indoors. Bread and 

 milk are most effective. Many kinds of large traps are being 

 used which have proved effective, when properly baited and 

 located. 



Poisoning flies. It is possible also to poison flies. One 

 of the best preparations for this purpose is formalin. The 

 weak solution used is not dangerous to human beings, but 

 is very effective in poisoning flies. A 2 per cent solution 

 should be used, made by adding two tablespoonfuls of the 

 solution as bought at the drug store to a pint of water, or 

 water and milk. It will prove more attractive to the flies 

 if sugar or bread and sugar are added to it. This may be 

 placed in shallow vessels. A convenient way of having a 

 constant supply is to fill a bottle with the solution, break a 

 little nick in the top of the bottle so that the liquid can flow 

 out, and then invert it in a saucer. Flies cannot live long 

 without something to drink and they naturally seek liquid 

 early in the morning. If the liquids in the room are removed 

 or covered up in the evening, the formalin will prove more 

 effective. Some of this solution may be kept outdoors on 

 the porch as well as indoors. 



Screens. As a protection against the flies that are not 

 killed, the doors and windows should be well screened. A 

 piece of sticky flypaper placed on the outside of the screen 

 door will catch many flies which otherwise would enter the 

 house when the door is opened. 



Protection of food. All food when not in use upon the 

 table should be screened or placed where flies cannot reach 

 it. Only those bakeries, fruit stands, and grocery stores 

 should be patronized which keep the food offered for sale 

 well screened from flies. Some cities have passed ordinances 

 requiring that food exposed for sale shall be protected from 

 flies and dust. The supervision of this matter is sometimes 

 taken over by civic organizations. 



