SPRING OFFENSIVE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 14, 13 October 1942, Page 7

SPRING OFFENSIVE

FLIES AND MOSQUITOES

YVIIAKATAXE DANG El l

During 1i)ll there were more than :}(')() cases of baeillary dysentery in the East Cape Health District, with 11 deaths. Unless imniediale steps are taken to combat the Ilv menace these figures may easily .he surpassed during the ensuing summer months. Flies are also concerned with the spread of summer diarrhoea of infants, typhoid lever and possibly infantile paralysis. Flies are just beginning lo make their appearance anil one lly de-< stroved now is more valuable as a health measure than 'JOOO flies killed when the summer is with us. Attack Breeding Grounds Since Hies will lay their eggs jn almost any decaying vegetable and animal matter, including tea leaves and fruit, it is important to burn or bury all .such material as soon as possible. Before burial it is advisable to spray the refuse with arsenical sheep dip diluted as follows: 2oz (four tablespoonfuls) in a gallon of water. Unless this is done any eggs deposited in the refuse by flies prior to burial will develop into maggots which are capable of crawling up through the soil to jaisLi below the surface where Ihey develop into adult llio.s. Horse manure exerts a great attraction for flies and should, not be left, longer than 21 I hours outside stables. An effective way of dealing with it in a town is to pack it tightly into tins, boxes or other containers each day and then spray with (he mixture mentioned above. In rural districts it has been recommended that stable' manure during the summer months be collected every morning an.l immediately spread rather thinly on the fields. In this way the maximum fertilising value is obtained from the manure and, the resultant drying renders it unfavourable for fly development,. Although horse manure is the favourite substance human excreta is almost equally attractive to flies. In an unsewercd area where night soil collection is practised it is therefore essential to take all precautions against the access of flies to the pan. Since the absence of light discourages the ily from depositing its eggs s'c-j that the woodwork around the pan is in good condition and a well fitting lid placed over the opening. Adult flies must, be attacked by as many different, methods as possible, since no one method is vcrj' efficient. Fly papers should be hung in each room and, as soon as; we 11 covered with Hies, they should be replaced with fresh fly panel's, burning the old ones. The flv swat should be used vigorously and all food protected by suitable covers, particular care being taken in the case of milk, sugar and meat. Remember that a fly can and will deposit its. eggs in me;;t. if the latter is in contact with the perforated wall of a safe.. Rooms should, be sprayed daily with one of the liquid insecticides sold for the purpose. After using such a spray be sure to sweep up the apparently dead flies and: burn them, since otherwise quite a number will recover and resume their activities. In order to. wage a successful campaign against the fly Ave must all of us do our share of the Avork. One careless person may do untold harm. Mos!quito Danger The presence of unusual collections of water on many premises for fire fighting purposes in case of emergency has greatly increased the danger from mosquitoes. Since these, insects deposit their eggs on the surface of AA'ater all containers should have tightly-fitted covers which should only be removed for refilling the container or in time of actual emergency. A satisfactory cover is composed of several thicknesses of cheese cloth held in place by a Avell-fitting hoop. Should you need any further advice apply to your local sanitary inspector who will be pleased to help you.