8 
HOUSEHOLD INSECTS 
bered, however, that the fumes of sulphur are injurious to some metals and 
wall papers. 
The grubs may be trapped by placing old woolen clothes, particularly 
if they are of a red color, on the floor of closets. These can be taken out 
once a week and shaken over a paper and the grubs collected and destroyed. 
Furs and woolen garments and feathers should be stored in tight-closing 
chests in a manner similar to that which we employ against moths. Before 
\ 
Fig. 4. The black Carpet Beetle and its larva. Enlarged. 
the box is closed and fastened, a teacupful of carbon bisulfide should be 
placed in a shallow dish in the top of the box. The storing of clothing and 
furs in the paper boxes and bags which can be purchased in the drug stores 
and which are used in storing these materials, will also keep out the carpet 
beetles. Where clothing has been attacked by these insects, it will be well 
to place it immediately in large boxes and fumigate with carbon bisulfide. 
A box the size of a trunk will require about a teacupful of the carbon bisul- 
fide. This chemical will evaporate slowly and the fumes sink downward 
through the material, killing the grubs and any beetles which may be 
present. The box should be made to close as nearly air-tight as possible 
and it should be borne in mind that the fumes of carbon bisulfide are 
explosive. Hydrocyanic acid gas is effectual for the destruction of carpet 
beetles, as well as for other insects in the house. Fumigation with this gas 
should be carried out under the supervision of some one who understands 
its nature, as the fumes are very poisonous and without great care, fatalities' 
might result. When used with care and common sense, however, no harmful 
results need follow. Any one wishing to fumigate with this gas would do 
well to consult the writer before attempting to carry out the work. 
C. W. H. 
REMEDIES FOR BED BUGS. 
1. Substitute metal bedsteads for wooden. 
2. Sulphur candles, not always effective, but sometimes the only thing 
available. Use heavy dose and place candle or candles in metal dish and 
this dish in a much larger vessel containing water. Close all apertures 
and leave room tightly closed for five or six hours. All silver, nickel, gilt 
