HOUSEHOLD INSECTS AND THEIR REMEDIES 12 J 



SO likely to be disturbed. They also live in the cracks of floors and 

 feed on the underside of rugs and carpets. This is very destructive. 

 They usually mature three broods yearly, according to the length 

 of the summer. 



I. 

 Spray carpet with gasoline and wash all cracks with hot suds 

 and follow by gasoline. 



II. 

 Benzine and gasoline. 



III. 

 Tar paper on floors will keep them away. 



IV. 



Iron the carpet a part as a time with a wet cloth. This will 

 ^ill them. 



v. 

 Mothballs are good to pack with winter clothing. 



VI. 



Sulphur dioxide generated by burning flowers of sulphur is 

 used, but it blackens silver and changes tints in wall paper, also 

 ruins the colors in woolens. 



Silver Fish Moth. 

 {Lepisma sp.) 

 This insect is of a silvery-gray, wingless and if touched will 

 leave tiny scales on the fingers. These insects are about ^ inch 

 long, with two long feelers or antennae protruding from the head, 

 while there is three feelers at the hind end of the body. The pest 

 prefers darkness, and is often found among undisturbed books, 

 papers, or starched linens, as it exists on starchy products. As 

 soon as these insects are disturbed, they may be seen scurrying 

 away to hiding places. 



I. 

 Pyrethrin dusted into places where it hides with kill them. 



II. 

 The frequent handling of articles liable to be attacked is one 

 of the best preventives. 



III. 

 Naphthaline scattered among books and materials containing 

 starchy mixtures is an excellent remedy. 



