Boil together in a gallon of water for at least an hour, replacing some of the water if required.
The following insect-powder formulas are perfectly safe to use. In each instance insect powder relates to either one of the pyrethrum plants powdered, or to a mixture:
| I.— | Insect powder | 8 ounces av. |
|---|---|---|
| Powdered borax | 8 ounces av. | |
| Oil of pennyroyal | 2 fluidrachms | |
| II.— | Insect powder | 8 ounces av. |
| Borax | 8 ounces av. | |
| Sulphur | 4 ounces av. | |
| Oil of eucalyptus | 2 fluidrachms | |
| This formula is especially good for cockroaches: | ||
| III.— | Insect powder | 14 ounces av. |
| Quassia in fine powder | 6 ounces av. | |
| White hellebore, powdered | 2 ounces av. | |
{425}
Beetle Powder.—
| Cocoa powder | 4 ounces |
| Starch | 8 ounces |
| Borax | 37 ounces |
Mix thoroughly.
Remedies Against Mosquitoes.
Oil of pennyroyal is commonly used to keep mosquitoes away. Some form of petroleum rubbed on the skin is even more efficient, but unpleasant to use, and if left on long enough will burn the skin.
A 40 per cent solution of formaldehyde for mosquito bites gives remarkably quick and good results. It should be applied to the bites as soon as possible with the cork of the bottle, and allowed to dry on. Diluted ammonia is also used to rub on the bites.