Flies at Camp Meeting by L. A. H.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 6, 1914

Flies at Camp Meeting

By L. A. H.

The question of guarding against flies is one of importance at camp meeting in proportion to the possibilities of the dangers. The gathering of a large number of people, the temporary living provisions that are made, and the large number of flies that can so readily collect around the dining tent or in other parts of the camp, make the fly danger not an imaginary one.

When people are tenting for a short period of time, they are likely to be a little careless or indifferent regarding their manner of living, considering that it is for only a few days, and that unpleasant and disagreeable things can be endured for a short time. It often occurs, however, that after those who have attended the camp meeting reach their homes, several become sick with typhoid fever, bowel trouble, or some other complaint, the cause of which was back at the camp meeting. Too often it is the case that an epidemic occurs even before the camp meeting season is over.

The fly is a carrier of disease in no small measure. It carries the germs of typhoid fever, diarrhea, and other diseases, from places where these germs are present, to food or food utensils.

It is estimated that one female fly can produce in one month 506,250,000 offspring. Fortunately some natural enemies of the fly prevent many of these from living; but a great many of them do live.

The fly has six legs, bristly and strong, each with two claws; and between the claws are soft, sticky pads surrounded by hairs which secrete a sticky fluid. Other parts of the fly are also well adapted for carrying filth. The fly's whole make-up is ideal for making it a most dangerous means of conveying disease germs. It delights to live in filth, and is usually well covered with it. Unfortunately, the fly's bath is not a voluntary one, and is usually taken in a glass of milk or some other liquid that is to serve as food.

The digestive tract of a fly is very simple; and it is found that disease germs pass through the fly unaffected. Bacteria have been found in dry fly excretion after a period of six months. Fly specks therefore are not so insignificant as they appear. One authority says that flies frequently regurgitate drops of fluid from their mouths, and that these drops are responsible for the larger spots found on lumps of sugar and on window panes. The smaller marks are those of excretion.

The most important thing to do is to observe strict cleanliness in and about the camp. Flies breed in filth and feed on it. In seeking a breeding place, the mother fly looks for one of the most favorable for feeding the young when hatched. Usually this is a manure pile. If any of these piles exist near the camp, they should be removed. A fly has a keen scent or some other instinct that directs it to food, and it will go some distance to reach it.

Instead of, “Swat the fly,” the campaign slogan now is, “Starve the fly.” This means that no visible or invisible means of support should be allowed this pest; in other words, that no places should be permitted in which the fly can breed or feed.

As far as practicable the dining and kitchen tents should be screened. Mosquito netting is not so expensive but that an outlay for a sufficient quantity is a reasonable one. The tables at least should be covered so as to protect the food.

All garbage cans should be properly covered and regularly emptied. It is well to have them under screen covers if possible. Sprinkling with kerosene oil is effective. Flies have a thirst equal to their hunger. Poisoned water is a good thing to give them to drink. An inexpensive and effective fly poison is bichromate of potash in solution. Dissolve four ounces of potash in one pint of water, adding a little sugar. Put in shallow dishes and set in different places, especially near an opening where light enters.

Another effective fly poison is formalin, a teaspoonful to a teacupful of water, with a little sweetening or milk added to make it attractive.

All left-over foods and food materials that are not cooked should be screened. A box cupboard with a screen door will serve for this, and for temporary use, can be made at little expense.

Flies are natural scavengers; and because of their very uncleanly ways of visiting indiscriminately filth piles, living rooms, and the dining table, they become a natural enemy to man.

L. A. H.