Circular 21 - Insecticides and Subsidiary Materials 25 
The toxic ingredients of cube and derris 
are similar, and of them rotenone (C23H22O6) 
is probably the most important. The rotenone 
content of pure cube powder should be 4 to 5 
percent with about 3i to U times as much total 
extractives. Other toxic ingredients which 
help, make up the total extractives are similar 
to those of derris. The roots of the tropical 
plants from which cube is made are ground to a 
fineness equal to the derris powder. 
Caution ; The same precautions as given 
for derris powder apply to cube. 
In barrel lots, cube powder (containing 
5 percent rotenone) is obtainable for 2? to 28 
cents per pound. New York City. 
For manufacturers and distributors see 
numbers 2U, 35, 72, 79, 91, and 113 of list at 
end of this circular. 
DERRIS PO'^VDER 
Derris powder is used to kill fleas when 
found infesting cats, dogs, and other animals. 
It may be used also to control ants in and 
around buildings. The pure derris powder as 
manufactured as an insecticide is used for this 
purpose or it may be mixed with talc or other 
inert materials. The dust is applied directly 
to the skin of the infested animal. This mate- 
rial is also effective in killing body lice and 
ticks when dusted behind baseboards or similar 
places where they may be hiding in infested 
buildings. A wash made of derris powder, 
neutral soap and water is effective against 
human head and pubic lice and as a dip against 
wood ticks on dogs. The undiluted powder may 
be applied directly on the scalp for head lice. 
