102 HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 



REPELLENTS FOR ADULT MOSQUITOES 



Various mixtures, oils, and ingredients are used to repel 

 adult mosquitoes. Oil of citronella is said to be a very 

 efficient protection against adult mosquitoes, but it will 

 not last long, at most, and is not to be relied on for pro- 

 tection during a night of sleep. It is mainly useful while 

 one is sitting on porches or in rooms where mosquitoes 

 are troublesome. 



Chickens and fowls are often pestered by mosquitoes 

 and the author has seen one instance, at least, where he 

 feels sure that mosquitoes were the cause of" sore heads 

 among a flock of chickens. It would seem advisable to 

 use fish oil containing a little crude carbolic acid in such 

 cases. 



Miss Mitchell gives the following mixture as the best 

 for general use by human beings ; cedar oil, one ounce ; 

 oil of citronella, two ounces; spirits of camphor, two 

 ounces. She says "a few drops of this on a cloth hung 

 on the bed will keep mosquitoes at a distance, and the 

 efficiency continues for a long time." 



REPELLING MOSQUITOES BY THE USE OF TREES AND PLANTS 



Many persons hold that where certain trees or plants 

 grow no mosquitoes will be found. Eucalyptus trees 

 and the castor-oil plant are thought to have peculiar 

 efficacy in repelling mosquitoes. The eucalyptus tree, 

 especially, is recommended for planting in mosquito-ridden 

 localities. This tree is widely grown in California and 

 there, if anywhere, it should demonstrate its use in repel- 

 ling mosquitoes. Quayle who has observed this tree in 

 California and its relation to mosquitoes says : " In the 



