178 



insects and of bed-bugs. An old sheet soaked in a fairly 

 strong solution of alum in water and then wrung out and 

 dried, retains a sufficient amount of alum so that when it 

 is spread over the mattress and under the sleeping sheet it 

 keeps away these undesirable insects. 



Creasote and Carbolic Acid. These are satisfactory 

 repellents when used for certain purposes. Creasote, applied 

 to wood and timber, prevents the attacks of termites for a 

 time, and carbolic acid, added to lime wash, is said to in- 

 crease its effectiveness when applied to the trunks of trees 

 to prevent the entrance of boring insects. Mixed with lime 

 at the rate of 1 pint of the crude acid to every 100 tt>. of 

 the lime, it forms a repellent which, dusted on the leaves of 

 certain plants protects them from the attacks of insects. 

 This method may be employed against weevils and certain 

 other beetles which are not easily killed by Paris green. 

 The best way to prepare this material is to slake to dryness 

 tomper lime with water to which the carbolic acid has been 

 added. 



Carbolic acid is also useful for treating wounds infested 

 with screw worm, since it cleanses and disinfects them, and 

 kills the maggots. 



Air-slaked Lime. This is sometimes employed as a 

 repellent, with good results. When it is mixed with Paris 

 green or other arsenical poisons, its effect is that of combining 

 with the free arsenic and thus reducing the amount of burn- 

 ing of the foliage ; it also indicates plainly where the poison 

 has been applied. 



Aromatic Oils. Mosquitoes, gnats, sand flies and 

 similar insects, which annoy by their persistent attacks, may 

 be kept away by smearing the hands and face with an 

 aromatic oil. Citronella, lavender, bergamot and other oils 

 are useful for this purpose. An excellent mosquito repellent 

 may be made by mixing equal parts of sweet oil and oil of 

 citronella. 



Turpentine. Turpentine has a limited application as an 

 insecticide. Applied to infested beds it kills bed-bugs, in 

 the egg, larval and adult stages. For treating screw worm 

 in wounds, it is also of value and is applied by means of a 

 brush or swab in such a manner that the breathing openings 

 of the larvae will be touched jby|the*turpen tine. 



