Flytraps and Their Operation [1921]Bishopp, F. C. (Fred Corry)
Science
Flytraps and Their Operation [1921]
Bishopp, F. C. (Fred Corry)
Flies -- Control
Sticky fly papers are of some value in destroying flies which have
gained access to houses, but they have marked limitations and numerous
objectionable features. For use out of doors traps are much more effective
and economical.
Dr. Crumbine, of the Kansas State Board of Health, gives the following
method for preparing fly paper:
"Take 2 pounds of rosin and 1 pint of castor oil, heat together until it
looks like molasses. Take an ordinary paint brush and smear while hot on
any kind of paper--an old newspaper is good--and place several about the
room. A dozen of these may be made at a cost of 1 cent."
=POISONED BAITS.=
The question of destruction of flies with poisons is somewhat out of place
here, but the close relationship of poisoned baits to trapping warrants a
brief statement.
Probably the best poisoned bait for house flies is formaldehyde in milk
used at the rate of about two teaspoonfuls of formaldehyde to a pint of a
mixture of equal parts of milk and water. This is placed in flat dishes
in places frequented by flies. A piece of bread or a sponge in the dish
adds to the effectiveness. Brown sugar or molasses and water with 2½ per
cent formaldehyde (commercial, 40 per cent solution) added will probably
also give satisfactory results. As far as possible other liquids should be
removed when poisoned baits are exposed.
The use of poison solutions, especially arsenical solution in tubs
containing portions of animal carcasses, has been tried and advocated
against the screw-worm by a number of stockmen. A comparatively weak
poison solution--about 1 gallon of dip, diluted for use on cattle, to 7
gallons of water--is sufficient. Best results usually have been secured
where a considerable portion of the animal matter was allowed to protrude
from the poison solution, as there is a tendency for the solution
to harden the bait and prevent its decomposition, thus reducing its
attraction for flies.
=CAUTION.=
=It should be borne in mind that formaldehyde, 40 per cent, is poison
about in the same proportion as wood alcohol, if taken internally. It
should not be inhaled, nor should the eyes be unduly exposed to it.
Special pains should be taken to prevent children from drinking poisoned
baits and to prevent the poisoned flies from dropping into foods or
drinks. Arsenical solutions, as is well known, are extremely poisonous to
man and animals. Care should be taken to protect the poisoned baits from
lire stock and it is not advisable to have the baits close to barnyards
where fowls are kept, as they may be poisoned by eating the dead flies.=
* * * * *
Transcriber Note
Minor typos have been corrected. Illustrations were moved to prevent
splitting paragraphs. Produced from files generously made available by
USDA through The Internet Archive. All resultant materials are placed in
the Public Domain.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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