COCKROACHES. 



145 



Tig. 66. 



Of cockroaches {Blatta) we have also several kinds ; 

 those which are indigenous I believe are 

 found exclusively in woods, under stones 

 and leaves, while the others, and particu- 

 larly the Oriental cockroach (Blatta ori- 

 entalist), (Fig. 68,) which is supposed to 

 have originated in Asia, whence it has 

 spread to Europe, and thence to Amer- 

 ica, and has multiplied and become estab- 

 lished in most of our maritime commercial 

 towns, are domestic species, and are found 

 in houses, under kitchen hearths, about 

 ovens, and in dark and warm closets, 

 whence they issue at night, and prowl 

 about in search of food. But, as these 

 disgusting and ill-smelling insects con- 

 fine themselves to our dwellings, and do not visit our gar- 

 dens and fields, they will require no further remarks than 

 the mention of a method which has sometimes been found 

 useful in destroying them. Mix together a table-spoonful 

 of red-lead and of Indian meal with molasses enough to 

 make a thick batter, and place the mixture at night on a 

 plate or piece of board in the closets or on the hearths 

 frequented by the cockroaches. They will eat it and be- 

 come poisoned thereby. The dose is to be repeated for 

 several nights in succession. Dr. F. H. Homer* recom- 

 mends the following preparation to destroy cockroaches. 

 Mix one teaspoonful of powdered arsenic with a table- 

 spoonful of mashed potato, and crumble one third of it, 

 every night, at bedtime, about the kitchen hearth, or where 

 the insects will find and devour it. As both of these prep- 

 arations are very poisonous, great care should be taken in 

 the use of them, and of any portions that may be left by 

 the insects. 



* Downing's Horticulturist, Vol. II. p. 343 (Jan. 1848). 

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