1899. Phosphorus Paste for Vermin

1899.     Phosphorus Paste for Vermin. Introduce 1 drachm phosphorus into a Florence flask, and pour over it 1 ounce rectified spirit. Immerse the flask in hot water until the phosphorus is melted, then put a well-fitting cork into the mouth of the flask, and shake briskly until cold. The phosphorus is now reduced to a finely divided state. This, after pouring off the spirit, is to be mixed in a mortar with 1 1/2 ounces lard. 5 ounces flour and 11/2 ounces brown sugar, previously mixed together, are now added, and the whole made into a paste with a little water. Cheese may be substituted for sugar when the paste is intended for rats or mice. There is said to be no danger whatever of spontaneous ignition, either during or after the preparation of this paste.

1900. An Insect Killer and Destroyer of Noxious Animals

1900.    An Insect Killer and Destroyer of Noxious Animals. The bisulphide of carbon seems to be useful in certain cases, when it may be applied without inconvenience to the human species. In an atmosphere containing 1/20 of its volume, it has, according to Cloez, a very rapid action on the animal organism, more rapidly, apparently, upon rats, rabbits, etc., than upon birds and frogs. Cloez introduced 13/4 ounces bisulphide in a culvert, and found within 20 yards from the place some 40 dead rats.

1901. To Exterminate Cockroaches

1901.    To Exterminate Cockroaches. Borax is one of the best of roach exterminators. There is something peculiar, either in the smell or touch of borax, which is certain death to them. They will flee in terror from it, and never appear again where it has once been placed. It has also the great advantage of being perfectly harmless to human beings; hence there is no danger from poisoning. The borax should be pulverized and sprinkled around the infested places.

1902. To Kill Cockroaches and Cro-ton Bugs

1902.    To Kill Cockroaches and Cro-ton Bugs. Boil 1 ounce poke-root in 1 pint water until the strength is extracted; mix the decoction with molasses and spread it in plates in the kitchen or other apartments which are infested by these insects. Paris green sprinkled around the apartments will also exterminate them; but should be used with caution, as it is very poisonous.

1903. To Destroy Bed-bugs

1903.      To Destroy Bed-bugs. Rub the bedsteads in the joints with equal parts of spirits of turpentine and kerosene oil, and the cracks of the surbase in rooms where there are many. Filling up all the cracks with hard soap is an excellent remedy. March and April are the months when bedsteads should be examined to kill all the eggs.

1904. To Destroy Bed-bugs in Papered Rooms

1904.    To Destroy Bed-bugs in Papered Rooms. Clean the paint of the room thoroughly, and set in the centre of the room a dish containing 4 ounces of brimstone. Light it and close the room as tight as possible, stopping the keyhole of the door with paper, to keep the fumes of the brimstone in the room. Let it remain for 3 or 4 hours, then open the windows and air thoroughly. The brimstone will be found to have also bleached the paint if it was a yellowish white.