Important: Safety Warning
This page recommends pest-control substances such as arsenic compounds, strychnine, or cyanide — in some cases applied to food crops. These substances are lethal to humans and animals, and their use is now banned or strictly controlled.
In addition, this page directs the use of hazardous substances — such as benzine, gasoline, lye, or strong acids — for household tasks. These materials are highly flammable, corrosive, or poisonous, and the practices described have caused fires, burns, and poisonings.
In addition, this page presents medical treatment from an era before modern medicine. The remedies described are ineffective against the conditions named, and some of the ingredients or doses are harmful. Do not use them to treat any illness; consult a qualified medical professional.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Home › Prepared Paper › To Exterminate Red Ants
To Exterminate Red Ants
Grease a plate with lard, and set it where these insects abound. They prefer lard to anything else, and will forsake sugar for it. Place a few sticks around the plate for the ants to climb up on. Occasionally turn the plate bottom up over the fire, and the ants will fall in with the melting lard. Reset the plate, and in a short time you will catch them all. Powexposed parts, will effectually keep off those troublesome insects. 1919. To Destroy Vermin in Children's Heads. Take 1 ounce each vinegar and stavesacre, ounce each honey and sulphur, and 2 ounces sweet oil. Make into a liniment, and rub the head with it. Insects are immediately suffocated by benzine. Those sometimes found in the heads of numan bcings are destroyed by it at once, without any inconvenient result being perceived. It has been employed very successfully in banishing the insects which infest domestic animals, dered borax sprinkled around the infested etc. (See No. 1906.) The use of larkspur places will exterminate both red and black ants. (See No. 1901.)