32 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



substitution of rugs or matting for carpets is advised in localities 

 where the pests are destructive. 



Infested carpets should be taken up and thoroughly cleaned, 

 and if badly infested, sprayed with benzine. This latter should 

 invariably be done outdoors, owing to the extreme inflammability 

 of this oil. Local injury can frequently be stopped by passing a 

 hot iron over a damp cloth laid on the affected part of the carpet. 

 The steam penetrates the fabric and destroys the pest in its retreat. 

 The danger of subsequent injury can be largely avoided by filling 

 all cracks and crevices in poorly constructed floors with putty, 

 plaster of paris or a crack filler. Laying tarred paper under a 

 carpet has been frequently advised as a preventive. 



Fig. 17 Black carpet beetle, seen from above, enlarged; antenna of the male, still 

 more enlarged. (Original) 



These insects can undoubtedly be destroyed by fumigation with 

 burning sulfur, bisulfid of carbon or hydrocyanic acid gas. The 

 first named is frequently employed and though the fumes are very 

 pungent, liable to blacken silver and cause other damage, par- 

 ticularly if considerable moisture is present, it is one of the safest 

 fumigants. Bisulfid of carbon, on account of its inflammability, 

 is hardly a safe material to employ in dwellings. Hydrocyanic 

 acid gas has been used extensively in the last decade for the destruc- 

 tion of household pests. Directions for using it are given on 

 page 48. 



For the treatment of garments and furs stored during warm 

 weather, see the discussion on page 30. 



