8 Deparimeni Circular 16, U. S. Dept. of Agricullure. 



in the season as possible, so that when the hot weather comes on, 

 when these bugs are most troublesome, the chicks will be old enough 

 to resist their attacks. 



WHITEWASH. 



Whitewash is also effective in killing mites and other vermin and 

 may be used freely in spraying the houses, brood coops, roosts, etc. 

 In badly infested places it is advisable to clean and spray, as already 

 described, and in about 48 hours follow with a good spray or coating 

 of whitewash. An effective whitewash foi" this purpose is made as 

 follows : 



Slake half a peck of lime and dilute it with 20 gallons of water; 

 add 1 pound of salt previously dissolved in water; to this mixture 

 add 2 quarts of crude carbolic acid. Apply with a spray pump or 

 brush. This mixture if properly put on not only kills the mites but 

 destroys all eggs, and will make the house, or any building where it 

 is used, fresh and clean. 



CLEANLINESS. 



Cleanliness is of the greatest importance in keeping lice and mites, 

 fleas and other insects under control, and should have the closest 

 attention of every boy and girl. The poultry houses, roosts, drop- 

 ping boards, brood coops, and all other places that the fowls or 

 chickens occupy should be kept clean. An abundance of light and 

 fresh air should also be provided. While these things can not be 

 depended on to keep away lice and mites, yet they make it easier 

 to determine when the pests are present and help to keep the fowls 

 healthy and vigorous, making them better able to withstand and to 

 fight off' the attacks of lice and mites. Sick or diseased fowls are 

 always the first victims of these parasites, which makes it important 

 that the fowls be kept healthy. 



