As these Insects abound in all foreign Parts, especially in hotter Climates more than they do here; ’tis on that account all Trading Ships are so over-run with them, that hardly any one thing, if examin’d, will be found free.
And as by Shipping they were doubtless first brought to England, so are they now daily brought. This to me is apparent, because not one Sea-Port in England is free; whereas in Inland-Towns, Buggs are hardly known.
This Metropolis therefore, as having the greatest Number of Shipping, has had the greatest Number imported, and consequently bred in it.
You that are free, and would avoid a foreign Supply in your Houses, examine well all things from on board Ships before you admit them into Lodging-Rooms. Chests and Casks, Linnens, and Paper, being stiffened with Paste, afford them Food, and are consequently most dangerous.
If you have occasion to change Servants, let their Boxes, Trunks, &c. be well examin’d before carried into your Rooms, lest their coming from infected Houses should prove dangerous to yours.
Examine well all Furniture that comes in, before you set it up, Beds especially; which I recommend should be plain, and as free from Wood-work as possible, and made to draw out, that the Wainscot and Walls may be better come at, to clear them from Buggs and Dirt.
Deal Head-Boards, and Head-Cloths lined with Deal, or Rails of that Wood, avoid.
Also Beach-Bedsteds, for all such afford them much Harbour and Food.
If for Ornament you use Lace, let it be sewed, not pasted on, for Paste they love much.