AMERICAN POULTRY CULTURE 
applications of common kerosene oil will kill them, 
painting or spraying this material on every spot 
where the vermin could possibly find lodgment. 
This is the commonest and cheapest method and 
it is efficient, although the patent liquid lice-killing 
preparations offer probably the safest and surest 
method of extermination, as the fumes from these 
preparations are fatal, as well as the liquid itself. 
But it is a question as to whether the difference 
in results is equivalent to the difference in cost. 
Chloro-naphtholeum and sulpho-naphthol in water 
are both very excellent liquid exterminators, and 
are not expensive. Where liquids are used they 
may be applied with a small spray pump, or painted 
with a brush or with a broom, as is most convenient. 
Whitewash will kill all lice with which it comes in 
contact. 
If treatment is begun immediately upon the dis- 
covery of lice and mites, they may be practically 
exterminated with a few treatments. Promptness 
is important, as much on account of the loss of 
vitality to the fowls and profit to the owner as 
because of the greater difficulty in getting rid of 
the pests when their numbers have greatly in- 
creased. With prompt and thorough treatment 
whenever signs of vermin are observed, there is 
no need for regular weekly, or even monthly, appli- 
cations to prevent their increase. Several months 
may be allowed between each fight of extermina- 
240 
