INSECTS AFFECTING HEALTH OF MAN OR ANIMALS. 23 
When colonies of these ants are located in the immediate vicinity 
of the sleeping quarters it is best to take prompt measures toward 
exterminating them. The best time to do this is at night. Three 
ounces of carbon bisulphid poured into the hole at this time will 
exterminate the colony. Immediately after pouring in the liquid 
the hole should be stopped up. Another satisfactory method is to 
place a few pellets of cyanide of potassium in the hole and then 
pour in alittle water. Cyanide of potassium is a virulent poison and 
should be handled with great care. 
The best treatment for bee, wasp, and ant stings is first to remove 
the sting by gentle scraping with a knife. The inflammation may be 
allayed by the application of hot or cold water, and a 10 per cent solu- 
tion of carbolic acid may be used as a safeguard against infection. 
PROTECTION OF PERSONS FROM INSECT BITES AND INFESTATION. 
To summarize briefly the dangers from insect bites, we may state 
that malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and typhus fever are directly 
transmitted to men by the bites of insects. The poisonous 
stings of such insects as bees, wasps, and ants, and of centipedes, 
tarantulas, and scorpions, may in some cases Cause irritation or more 
serious consequences. The irritation caused by insects which pene- 
trate the skin, such as chiggers and mites, often gives rise to running 
sores or abscesses. For this reason it is important that every soldier 
take extreme precautions to protect his person from insect injury. 
The common insects to which he is accustomed may be the ones 
most capable of inoculating his body with disease germs. During 
the daytime it is possible to guard against all but the smallest insect 
pests, such as those which enter the flesh. Cleanliness of the body is, 
therefore, one of the most important preventive measures. The 
use of corrosive-sublimate soap lathered on the body, permitting the 
suds to dry, has proven a very effective general precaution. 
Next to keeping the person clean, it is imperative to keep the 
clothing clean. As has been shown in preceding paragraphs, lice, 
bedbugs, and fleas are likely to be found in the folds of the cloth- 
ing. It is perfectly feasible to provide means of disinfecting the 
clothing by some of the processes described in this bulletin while the 
men are receiving their baths. 
Many of the insects which attack the person work at night. This 
includes mosquitoes and bedbugs. It is therefore absolutely essential 
that the men protect themselves with mosquito netting when sleeping. 
It is also essential that the ground on which the bedding is placed 
is clean and has not been used for sleeping by louse-infested persons. 
In some cases it may be advisable to dust the ground with sulphur. 
