Where the wall paper and wood work of a room have become invaded, the usual remedy is burning sulphur. To be efficient the room must have every door, window, crevice, and crack closed. The floor should be wet in advance so as to moisten the air. A rubber tube should lead from the burning sulphur to a key-hole or auger-hole and through it, and by aid of a pair of bellows air should be blown to facilitate the combustion of the sulphur.
Pastes.
| I.— | Common soap | 1 av. ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonium chloride | 3 av. ounces | |
| Corrosive sublimate | 3 av. ounces | |
| Water enough to make | 32 fluidounces. |
Dissolve the salts in the water and add the soap.
This will make a paste that can be painted with a brush around in the cracks and crevices. Besides, it will make an excellent filling to keep the cracks of the wall and wainscoting free from bugs of all kinds. The formula could be modified so as to permit the use {421} of Paris green or London purple, if desired. A decoction of quassia could be used to dissolve the soap. The latter paste would, of course, not be poisonous, and in many instances it would be preferred. It is possible to make a cold infusion of white hellebore of 25 per cent strength, and in 1 quart of infusion dissolve 1 ounce of common soap. The advantage of the soap paste is simply to keep the poisonous substance thoroughly distributed throughout the mass at all times. The density of the paste can be varied to suit. Kerosene oil or turpentine could replace 6 ounces or 8 ounces of the water in making the paste, and either of these would make a valuable addition.
Another paste preparation which will meet with hearty recommendation is blue ointment. This ointment, mixed with turpentine or kerosene oil, can be used to good advantage; especially so as the turpentine is so penetrating that both it and the mercury have a chance to act more effectually. It can be said that turpentine will kill the bedbug if the two come in contact; and kerosene is not far behindhand in its deadly work.
| II.— | Blue ointment | 1 ounce |
|---|---|---|
| Turpentine | 3 ounces |
Stir well together.
Liquid Bedbug Preparations.
| I.— | Oil of pennyroyal | 1 drachm |
|---|---|---|
| Turpentine | 8 ounces | |
| Kerosene oil, enough to make | 1 gallon. |