AMERICAN POULTRY CULTURE 



applications of common kerosene oil will kill them, 

 painting or spraying this material on every spot 

 where the vermin could possibly find lodgment. 

 This is the commonest and cheapest method and 

 it is efficient, although the patent liquid lice-killing 

 preparations offer probably the safest and surest 

 method of extermination, as the fumes from these 

 preparations are fatal, as well as the liquid itself. 

 But it is a question as to whether the difference 

 in results is equivalent to the difference in cost. 

 Chloro-naphtholeum and sulpho-naphthol in water 

 are both very excellent liquid exterminators, and 

 are not expensive. Where liquids are used they 

 may be applied with a small spray pump, or painted 

 with a brush or with a broom, as is most convenient. 

 Whitewash will kill all lice with which it comes in 

 contact 



If treatment is begun immediately upon the dis- 

 covery of lice and mites, they may be practically 

 exterminated with a few treatments. Promptness 

 is important, as much on account of the loss of 

 vitality to the fowls and profit to the owner as 

 because of the greater difficulty in getting rid of 

 the pests when their numbers have greatly in- 

 creased. With prompt and thorough treatment 

 whenever signs of vermin are observed, there is 

 no need for regular weekly, or even monthly, appli- 

 cations to prevent their increase. Several months 

 may be allowed between each fight of extermina- 



240 



