[BAITS FOR TRAPS]
The problem of selecting the best bait for flies is an important one. In choosing a bait it should be remembered that it is largely the fermentation which renders the material attractive, and that baits are most attractive during their most active period of fermentation. As has been indicated, the kind of bait used should be governed by the species of flies the destruction of which is desired. This is most often the house fly.
A mixture of 1 part of a cheap cane molasses (blackstrap or New Orleans) and 3 parts of water is one of the most economical and effective baits for the house fly. Sugar-beet or stock molasses, which is very cheap in regions where produced, when mixed in the foregoing proportions is fairly attractive. Sirup made by dissolving 1 part of ordinary brown sugar in 4 parts of water and allowing the mixture to stand a day or two to induce fermentation is almost equal to molasses and water as a fly bait. If it is desired to use the sirup immediately after making it, a small quantity of vinegar should be added. Honeybees are sometimes caught in large numbers with this bait. When this happens some of the other baits recommended should be used.
On dairy farms probably milk is next choice as a bait to cane-molasses solution, considering its convenience. The addition of ripe bananas or other fruit increases the attractiveness of the milk bait. The curd from milk, with one-half pound of brown sugar added for each pound, and water to make it thoroughly moist, is a very good bait and continues to be attractive for 10 days or longer if Kept moist. A mash consisting of one-half pound of bran, 1 quart of milk, 1 quart of water, 2 tablespoonfuls of brown sugar, and a yeast cake makes an attractive and lasting bait.
The foregoing baits are rendered more attractive by stirring occasionally.
BLOWFLY BAITS FOR USE AROUND MARKETS, ETC.
With the baits before mentioned few blowflies will be caught. For use about slaughterhouses, butcher shops, and other places where blowflies are troublesome it has been determined that the mucous membranes which form the lining of the intestines of cattle or hogs are without equal as a bait. This material, which is commonly spoken of as "gut slime," can be obtained from packing houses where sausage casings are prepared. The offensive odor of this bait renders its use undesirable around habitations or materials intended for human consumption.
At the front of and at loading docks of meat-packing establishments, where house flies are troublesome and blowflies are usually not abundant, it is best to bait the traps with one of the house-fly baits listed above. Around meat markets, where both house flies and blowflies abound, one of the combination baits given on [page 13] should be employed.