Note 16 — REMEDIES.
Reading edition
A remedy for the bedbug has been devised by Mr. R. H. Pettit ("Notes on two insecticidal agents," in 10th Rpt. Mich. Acad. Sci., p. 159-160, 1908) as a substitute for hydrocyanic-acid gas and sulphur, and is reported to have proved very successful. The preparation of this insecticide and its application is described as follows:
Alcohol is drawn through pyrethrum in a funnel until the powder is well washed and a large part of the resinous principle extracted. To do this, the powder is placed in a large funnel with filter-plate and a layer of cotton wool at the bottom. An aspirator is attached and the alcohol is at first slowly and later rapidly sucked through six or eight times, during which operation it becomes highly colored. To this liquid as a basis, are added several oils to give permanence to the application. Both alcohol and pyrethrum evaporate so quickly that it was thought best to carry in some heavier volatile oils whose effects would last several days or even weeks. The formula when completed stands as follows:
To the extract made by washing 400 grams of pyrethrum with 2,000 c. c. of strong alcohol, are added—
50 grams gum camphor. 150 c. c. cedar wood oil. 25 grams oil citronella. 25 grams oil lavender.
The application is best made with a large sized atomizer, one holding a pint or more and working with a piston instead of a rubber bulb. * * * To obtain the best results, repeat the treatment after about two weeks. We have tried this mixture repeatedly, and with uniformly gratifying results. Usually one application, if thoroughly made, put a period to the complaints, about eight or ten ounces being required in an average sleeping-room. The odor remains some little time in a room, but is not disagreeable to the average person.
This remedy can be readily prepared by a pharmacist in any drug store.