FLEAS. 31 



When the fleas are carriers of disease they are, of course, much 

 more dreaded than when their greatest injury is their bite. Where 

 extreme measures are needed the possibility of a man's protecting 

 himself from fleas while working in infested locations or even while 

 sitting in an infested room by wrapping his legs with fly paper 

 should be borne in mind. A man may get considerable protection 

 from the sticktight flea by wearing khaki or denim trousers and 

 having them tucked into hightop shoes. Leather boots with the tops 

 on the outside of the trousers also keep many fleas from gaining 

 access to the body. 



REMEDIES FOR BITES. 



As has been stated, fleas in the act of biting inject saliva into the 

 wound, thus producing more or less irritation and itching. Ordi- 

 narily no treatment of the bites is necessary; but where they are 

 numerous, especially in the case - of susceptible persons, cooling 

 lotions will give relief. Menthol and camphor are beneficial, and 

 carbolated vaseline, carbolic acid in water (a 3 per cent solution), 

 and hydrogen peroxid are each said to relieve the itching and 

 inflammation. 



WASHINGTON : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1915 



