Para-Dichlorobenzene by MRS. I. H. E.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 23, 1915

Para-Dichlorobenzene

By MRS. I. H. E.

THIS is not the name of a country in South America, but of a new insecticide, which is declared by the United States Department of Agriculture to possess several advantages over other well-known fumigants. First and greatest of these is its noninflammability; its vapor is also, under ordinary conditions, harmless to human beings, domestic animals, and plant life, while at the same time it is a deadly poison to many insects; its odor does not cling to fabrics submitted to its fumes, but rapidly disappears when they are exposed to the open air; and it is low in price.

Para-dichlorobenzene, is “a colorless, crystalline substance, which volatilizes very readily as a colorless vapor, with a peculiar ether-like odor.” Those who have conducted a series of careful tests and experiments with it recommend it for ridding warehouses of undesirable forms of insect life. It is also of practical value to the housewife in freeing the house of well-known pests of this nature.

About sixteen ounces of para-dichlorobenzene to one hundred cubic feet of space is recommended. To be effective, its vapors must be closely confined, and in a temperature higher than 74° F. “At temperatures between 75° and 85°

an exposure of at least thirty-six hours is necessary for best results. Temperatures above 85° F. require only twenty-four hours’ exposure, due to the fact that heat facilitates the diffusion of the vapors.” Moths, flies, mosquitoes, carpet beetles, ants, and other insects are easily exterminated by this method. It is especially useful in fumigating closets, cupboards, etc.

Bulletin No. 167 of the United States Department of Agriculture is devoted to this fumigant. A copy may be obtained on request from that department, Washington, D. C.

MRS. I. H. E.