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Show USE DDT TO FIGHT FLY MENACE THIS TDIE OF YEAR Flies have been designated our mor.t dangerous enemies. They can carry over 6,000,000 bacteria on their hairy bodies and are capable of transmitting such diseases as typhoid, amebic and bacillary dysentery, dys-entery, and other diarrheas. The creatures are filthy because they breed in filth, health officials state. House flies are more susceptible than mosquitoes to DDT and since the discovery of this insecticide, man has become pofjsessed of a potent weapon. The preparation is not ideal, as it will not attack the eggs nor the emerging larvae. Consequently, attention must be paid to screens and the protection of manure piles, garbage cans and other breedirig grounds for flies. Furthermore, DDT cannot be utilized everywhere as it may be toxic to humans, animals, fish and bees. Through research we are learning, however, how to employ it to the best advantage and m what concentrations; when applied intelligently and according to the rules, it is harmless to man and animals. For example, during 1945, 1946 and 1947, nearly 3.2 millions, of house-spraying applications were made in rural areas or small towns in over 300 counties by the health departments of 13 state. When used on the ceilings and walls of restaurant dining rooms and kitchens, the results have been most satisfactory. Another trick is to hang cords or strings, which have been impregnated with a 35 per cent DDT-xylene solution solu-tion in small food shops. All of have noticed that flies sooner or later will rest on a wire or cord, hence this is the logical approach to the problem. |