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INSECT CONTROL WORK

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CAMP A. A. HUMPHREYS, VA.
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THESIS FOR DEGREE OF M. HORT.
EDMUND HARRISON GIBSON

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\JPPLEMENTARY
MATERIAL

IN BACK OF BOOK

4
IiiszCT CONTROL wORK
at
CAMP AeAe HUMPHREYS VAe

during 1618

 

THESIS FOR DEGREE O& Li. HORT.
Edmund Harrison Gibson

1919
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PART I - — Antietialaria and Mosquito Coutrol work ---1-16

Mosquito Survey Map - - - = CHART 4h
Surmary of Drainage work = -CHART? $2
Construction of Tide Gate = CHARTS #32, 3b, 3c.
Summary of lialaria Cases = CHART #4
Illustrations of Ditching

work, - - Photographs #1-6

PART II ® Fly Control Work -------2--2-.20.20-20-4-2-. 16=20

Breedines Wap—-\e-+- +... — CHART $5
Daily Catch of Slies - - - - CHART 4

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ROY Bop he $$ * yA
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PaRT I
WHE ANTI@MALARIAL AND MOSQUITO ERADICATION
WORK
INTRWUTION.

Lands along the Potomac River have long been recognized as
forming an important malarial section. Particularly is this true
of the low lands bordering the marshes and small tributaries of
the river. 3ecause of the location of the camp, situated as it
is between two bays which were «nown to be mosquito breeding grounds,
it was wisely deemed necessary early in the year to devote partic-
ular at tention and energy to the control of malaria bearing
mosquitos. The campaien of prevention against malaria was planned
during the latter rart of March, carried on throughout the year.
Briefly the result has been that there developed within this
camp but five causes of malaria. Without such control measures as
were carried on it is reasonable to assume that between two and
three hundred cases would not have been abnormal. In measuring
the importance of antiemalarial work and the reducing of the total
number of Cases to a minimum it mist be held in mind that even
one case acts as a reservoir of infeotion for hundreds of others
when malaria bearing mesquitos are present in any numbers.

The campaiem of 1916 is merely the foundation of another year's
work which should have as its aim the entire eradication of malaria
infections at Camp A.A., Humphreys and vicinity. followine is a de-

tailed report of how the wort of mosquito eradication was carried on.
PURPOSE OF THE WORK.
™e eradication of mlaria bearing mosquitos at Camp 4.iA.
Humphreys and vicinity, and as far as possible the elimination

of all pestiferous or sannoying mosquitos.
ORGANIZATION.

The supervision of anti-malarial worx was siven to Edmund H.
Gibson, Sanitary Corps, March 27, 1918. On april 6th, a detach-
ment of fifty colored troops, unfit for foreign service, was put
under Capt. Gibson's command. On Méy lath, the detachment was in-
creased to one hundred and fifty troops. «rom this number a detail
averaging one hundred troops were daily engaged in drainage and
oiling work.

MOSQUITO SURVEY.

During the latter part of March md early april a thorough
survey was made of the entire camp area which included the mapping
of swamp and marsh areas, starnant pools, flowing streams, and all
other likely mosquito breeding places such as old trenches, stu7p
holes, and ruts. This map was also used to spot breeding places
when such were found during the season. Observation and direction
stations were also spotted on the mp and corresponded to signs
placed in the field. Later in the season when msquito control
work outside of the camp area was undertaxen in co-operation with
the U. S. Public Health Service a larger map which ingluded all

territory for a radius of three miles around camp was used. A
copy of the map accompanies this manuscript (Chart #1). It
shows the erea covered as being divided into five sections, s-
Camp Area, BeAccotink area, lying north of area A, Celit. Vernon .
area, lying east of areas A and B, D-Gum Srrings area, about one
and a half miles east of area C, and E-Rifle range area, lying
one mile west of areas A and B. Two other areas comprising the
waters of Dogue Creek and Pohick and Accotinx Creexs were also

under observation during the season.
MEMOS OF CONDTIOL.

measures used in the control or elimination of mosquito
breeding may be grouped into tw classes, 1. Drainare, 2. Oil-
ing. As a general principle olfling should not be resorted to
if conditinns can be handled efficiently by drainaze. However,
under cert3in conditions a combination of the tw is best and
apain it is sometimes possible only to use oil. In adhering to
this principle innumerable breeding places have been eliminated
and millions of mosquito larvae killed without the use of oil.
Drainage methods consisted of cleaning stream beds and banks to
allow a regular and free flow of water and to eliminate side pools,
constructing temporary and permment ditches, filline stump holes,
trenches, ruts, etc. The temporary ditches were made to suit the
individual conditions. Permanent ditches were always constructed
with clean straizht or sloping sides with bottom eraded, and al-
ways from a foot and a nalf to tnree feet wide at bottom. Chart

#2 shows the dreinace work accomplished. ‘The 11 used was the
stamiard grade msquito oil purchased by the Quartermaster from

the Standard 911 Co., Fifty barrels or twenty five hundred gallons

of this 011 was used during the season's work. This represented

& cost of 3225.00, the oil costing nine cents per gallon. It was
applied by svraying from three gallon xnapsack compressed air

purns, such as are used in spraying youns fruit trees. The treat-—
ment the various breeding grounds received is taken up in the follow-

ine paraeraphs.e
COM<NPERATION (ITH THE U.S. PUBLIC ERTLTH SURVICk.

During the early part of June Col. H. K. Carter of the Public
Health Service made a moSquito insnection trin in and around the
camp, and later in the month was accommnanied on @ similar trip by
Lt. Col. Jo He white. The result of these inspections was the
sending of a drainage engineer, Lieut. H. 7. onidow, and 2 mosquito
inspector, lire. H. Yayes, both of the Public Health Service to work
in co-operation with Dapt. Gibson in msauito control work. ‘The
supervision of all such control work within and without the camp
limits was given to Capt. Gibson. Glnse co-nveration was in effect
from July 9th, to date. The general plan of co-operation was thet
the Public Health Service would nover-see and supervise the work
outside of the cantonment area and the Urnitary Corps would supply
the necessary labor and in return would have the services of the
Public Health Service men within tne camp limits when desirable.
This general scheme worcei out to emcellent advantacse. The necess-

itye-of this co-operation is mede plain by the facts that, lst,
e
malarial mosquitos may fly or mivrate armile or more from their
breedine places, and 2nd, soldiers soning wt of the camp into the
surrounding territory are subject to the bites of malarial mosquit-
os if present and neople outside the cantonment ray become matarial
reservoirs when in the camp if they are subjected to malarial con-
ditions outside. The actual work accomolished will be discussed on

a followins rage.
MOS UIT) BREEDING vATSS AND SPECIES CONCERNED.

The first mosquito larvae found was on april 10th, in puddles
and wazon ruts alons a road running through the woods in Sec. 2,
of area Ae The larvae represented a Culex species. april 19th,
the doswond was out in bloom for the first day, after this date
Culex spp. larvae could be found in abundance in weter barrels
vlaced at buildings for fire preveition purposes. hay 20th, adult
Culex mosquitos were found present in small numbers in low wonded
areas. The first anovholes punctipennis larvae found was on iiy
21st, in small pools in an old road running throush a woded and
shaded ravine in Section 3 of area 4. the finding of any breeding
after cune lst was % rarety due to the vigilance in keeping all
standing water olled. B2reedine places were never allowed to be-
come producing grounds. “he first Anopholes quadrimaculatus larvae
found in camp area wes on august 15th. The twenty nine nbservation
stetions were visited recularly ani at varinus times during the day
for the yurrose of canturinz adult mosquitos and for noting breed-

ing conditions. The collection of sJults throuchout the season was
very slim due to the efficiency of control measures in not allow-
ing adults to be produced. During the last two weeks of August
and the first two of September. «<nopholes quadrimaculatus adults
were freavently caught in tents in the vicinity of station #9 of
area Ae Mm July 26 one adult Viansonia perturbans was captured in
a tent near the same station and on «= us. llth one adilt Culex
restuans. These were identified by Dr. Ludlow of the army “edical

LiUSeUumMe
CONTROL WORT IN APHA A-CALE Aede nNuUnCHRE YS.

The entire camp area was divided into six sections (see map}
each one of which was put under the supervision of a corporel or
acting corporsl ard tn whom was ziven an oiling squad of four men.
The squad was comprised of two men with mansacx sprayers, one man
with & pick, and one ran with & snovel. ‘to the corroral, was tiven
the responsibility of keenir:: his section oiled and ditches and
streams open and flowine. An acting serzeant was placed in charge
of all six oiling squads. tach corporal reported to Capt. Gibson
whenever he or any of his ten found breeding places. Every such
report was checixed up by Capt. Gidson. B8y this method, it became
an extreme rarety to find any po ls, ruts, stump holes, marshy
places, or strears which went without an application of 9i1 for
more than three days at any one time during the entire season.

seventy-five men were used throushout the season as a ditching de~

tail. The duty of this detail was to clear and clean out and temp-

orarily ditch every stream. They also did considerable drainage
work in swamp areas. gsrom this number were taxen the necessary
men to carry on the ditching wrx in the various other areas.
Apout 300 yards of permment ditching was constructed within the
carn limits, draining about three acres. The wrx in area A is
now considered in detail by sections.

Section l. Included the north east portion of the camp. Up to
midesurmer over three quarters of it was densely wooded. four
streams of considerable importance from a mosquito bresding stand-
point ere included in this section. These were the last in area
A to be cleaned and ditched because of the remoteness from the
centre of the camp. They were, however, all cleaned twice during
the season and were regularly oiled every seven days. <After July
15th, there were no producing grounds in this section.

section II. Contained the most important stream in camp, that
running through the amphitheatre srea where thousands of soldiers
gathered every evening. This stream with innumerable side pools
was Kept oiled the entire season and was very carefully policed
twice weekly. The mouth of the stream with surrounding swampy land —
will need much attention next year.

section III. Included the southeast quarter of the cantonment.
Old trenches of considerable lensth were filled to prevent breed-
ing. The same treatment was given the two streams in this section
as others of area A received. This proved to be a larce but not
difficult section to care for.

section IV. Contained all that portion of the camp lying west of
section three and proved to be tne mst difficult to handle. A

marsh between the barracks at Belvoir and the Potomac River was a
breeding place for mosquitos mst of the year. Because of the
tide which flowed up into this swan and its micay bottom it was
impossible to do efficient draining and oiling. It is reconmend-
ed that tnis rarsh be eommletely filled in with dirt and eravel
during the winter. cuch effort was expended on Keeping streams of
this section cleaned during ths q@mtire season.

Section V and VI . Each contained two streams with small marshy
places. Policing and reruler ofliroe readily controlled mosquitos
in this section. Next year attention mst ve siven to the shore

line of gSectinn VI.

CONTROL WORT IN aReéA BeACCOTING.

All territory lying directly north of area A, for a distance of
about two miles is included in area B. It contains nearly four
square miles. Two branches of aceotink Creek run through this
section. The villaze of Accotink is sv rrounded by malarial-mos-
quito breeding erounds. Interviews with doctors familiar with this
section indicate that malaria has alwavs been more or less nrreval-
ent. About 4400 yards of stream wis xcept flowins, clean, and free
from side pools, and 100 yards of ditching was constricted in a
meadow adjacent to the village draining 4& swampy area of about one
acre. Areas ditched were oiled at intervals cf seven days from
June 15th, to Sept. 15th. Observations at station #18 throughout

the season indicated an abundance of Anopheles punctipemnis and

Culex spp. breeding in the vicinity. Anopheles quadrimaculatus
adults were Captured in small numbers during the first tw weeks

in September. None were cantured at stations #19 and #21. uch
drainage wor should be done in srea 3, next year. The importance
of the wrt is obvious because of its close proximity to the canton-
ment.

CONTRW WORD IN arsed Caml. Vauidne

The only worx carried on in this area was the keeping of 1760
zards of stream flowins, banxs clean and free from stagnant pools.
The same conditions existed here as were found in section I and II
of area Ae A detail of 10 men wrced on one of the tributaries of
Doeue Creex at three various tires durins the season, June 3-5,
Aucust 7-9, and Sentember 3-4. Oil was applied to the side pools
June 5, August 9, and September 4. There is much to be done in
this area next year in the way of ditchins and systematic oiling.
At least three drip cans should be placed in rue Creek. The
importance of civing consideration to this area is because of its
Close proximity to cemp. Tne electric car line from lit. Yernon
will eventually run through this area and the cars will afford ex-
cellent passage for mosquitos into camn if they are allowed to breed
here.

CONTROL wORK IN AREA DeGUM SPRINGS

fhis area comprises the low lands lying adjacent to Little
Hunting Creek for the distance of ebout one and a half miles, Near
the center of the area was established a road camp for the civilian
employees of Cranford Paving Co., The imnortance of mosquito work

in this area, was, besides keenin=s the men at the road camp free
from malaria, tne fact that the men came into Camp Hurphreys to

— and might prove malaria reserwirs for the soldiers. About

2200 yards of Little Huntins Cresk was xept clem imd flowing
throvshout the season am 3O yards of vcermenent ditch was con-
structed which drained a swampy area of about one half an acre.

This area was olled every tm days fmm July lst to ~eptember 15th.
A portion of the ditohing work was done in co-oneration with the
Publie Health Yervice. Observations at station #25 at varlous times
durins August and early Septerber showed the presence of Culex spn.
and Anopheles punctipamnis in small numbers. Ths worx should be con-

tinued next year if the civilian camp remains where it is.
CONTRUWL WIAT Ti ARwA BeRieLa RiGee

The worx in this section was under the immediate direction of
Lt. de we Snidow of tne Public Health Service, to whom entire credit
is due for efficient drainage of twenty acres of swamp land. as
before said this wesk was under the veneers] suvervision of Cept.
Gibson but the plans for @rainage and the execution of the same were
made and carried on by Lt. snidow. ‘he area was divided into five
sections the drainave of wnich are here dealt with separately. area
E was fone over by an oiling squad once every seven days.
section 1. Area between camo am Pohick Creek irrediately adjacent
on West side. Character of the land was low flat and swampy with
springs outeropping from foot of a bluff surrounding. Clear of

brush five hundred feet of main ditch 3* x 2* was constructed which
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ll

required thirty men worxins tw days.

Section 2. Area ornosite carp on north side of road. Character-

 

Small stream with several tributaries all much overgrown with brush
and vines, thickly moded swamp aprroxirately two and one half acres.
6500 feet of stream course was cleared and reclaimed. 600 feet of
ricoht of wey cleared for ditch. 400 feet of main ditch was con-
structed and 680 feet of lateral ditchins. It required twenty-five
men worc<ing twelve and one half days.

Section 3. Extensive marsh srea south of cermp and alors Ponick
Creek, Character-— very low ani tzrshy covered by high tide amd for
the most part very thicacly wooded. 4 pond situated at tne urrer end
fed by small stream but with no definite outlet other than eradual
seepere throuzh the marsh forred an idetl mosquito breeding eround.
There were also two back-water ponds at lower end opening into Fonicx
Creek. In this section there was 600 feet of stream cleared, 3150
feet of richt of way, ten feet wide cleared of brush; 3930 feet of
main dicthins constructed, and 950 feet of laterel dicthins. 4 dam
with titie-cate was constructed across the lower end of marsh. ‘The
dam was made 100 feet long, 8 feet wide, and 3 feet deap, and re-
quired a f111 of 2100 cubic feet. the concrete structure for the
tide-gate comprised two and one half cubic yards. VJsterials that
went into the tide-cate was obtained upon an emergency purchase by
the camp quartermaster. Ths iron gate was made in co-operation
with the School of Construction. The tide-cate was constructed in
mid-stream necessitating draining a section 12' x 12" by driving

piles, pumping with a powsr driven diaphram pump, and building up
 
12

@ rock foundation from four feet below low tide level. “ns Ccon-
crete structure was built on top of the rock foundation allowing
for bottom of 3° x 21/2" flume six inches below lw tide level.
The gate itself was made of 10 gauge black iron plate, re-enforced
with ancle irons around edges. The frame work was mace of heart
vine with rubber pump racking gasket. T he time required on the
ditches in this section was 23 days averaging 30 men. The time

on the dam and tide-gate required ten days averaging 15 men. The
construction of the tide-gate is illustrated by Charts #3a, 3b, 3c.
Section 4. Marshy area with long ditmh through field to Pohick
Creek muth east of camp and near section 3. 900 feet of main
ditching 3" x 1 1/2* Was constructed requiring 30 men for 2 days.
Section 5. Low swampy area at lower end of target ranve A 300.
Character - wooded swemp from which trees had been cut and stumps
blasted leavine holes filled with water and very broken surface.
Here 400 feet of min @itoh 4 x 3 and 200 feet of lateral ditch 2' x
2' was constructed. It required 25 men wr«ing three days. The
control work at the rifle range was completed Sept. 28 and next

year will need nothing but policine work and regular oilings.

Dopue Creek Area. By aid of a motor boat supplied by the Public
Health Service regul*r inspections of the waters of Dorue Creek
and Bay was made possible. Inspection trips were made at least
twice weekly from July 15 until Sept. 15. By the dipping process
it was determined that the first Anopheles quadrinaculatus breed-
ing took place during the first weex in A ugust. It increased but

little by dugust 15. By the last week of August the breeding was
13

@bundant and auring the first week of s ertenoer it was very pro-
fuse. This breeding seemed to be limited to the floatace off shore
in from 2 to 3 feet of water, Sometir.es deever, end in places pro-
tected from the high winds and wave action. The floatage was that
of eel grass. Cow collards and Arrow-leaf areas produced practically
no Anovheles breeding. ‘The floatage off the west shore of Dogue

Bay was the principal source of breeding that produced the adults
of A. quadrimaculatus that were somewhat abundant in camp during the
first ten days of Sevtember. Each east wind blew into camp many
edults from this surce. No treateent was given this area except
the cleanins of the shore line in rlaces. ‘he needed remedy is the
destruction of the growth of weeds (eel crass principally) in Dorue
Creek Bay. This can be accomplished by an aquaous weed cutting saw

that has been ordered by the Public Health vervice.

Accotinx and Pohick Bay Areas. This srea rmresents the same condit-

fons and aspects as the Dopue Creex ond Buy ares, but because of

its mere remtness from camp and less frequency of winds from that
direction during the breedins season, it is not as irportant as the
Dove Bay area but should elways be held as a derverous breeding pround.
There was not as much floatace in the waters of Pohicic and Aaceotink
Bays as in Dogue Bay. The same inspections were given both areas

and in general the save conditions applied.

—~-° 6

Morr mao Sr TUM ay ote amagqwes
pews Coa lob of Tie JEeASON's WaAK

As before stated the aim of the entire wri was the control or
14

eradication of ralaria bearing mosquitos md the reduction of

the number of cases of malaria to the minimum. During the entire
season to date, 19 cases of malaria, all of the tertian tyne, have
been reported. But five of these were contracteu by the soldier
since his arrival in camp, (see Chart #4). ‘This fsct was ootained
by data of the cases received from tne registrar of the Sase Yospi-
tal and by personal interview with tne soldiers. Pestiferous or
annoying mosquitos were controlled to such an extent that the camp
was yractically free from the pests during the entire season. iios-
quitos bars were only needed by those organizetions sleening in tents
at Belvoir, where msauitos were blowm in from across the river, and
at the Rifle ctunge where mulerial mosquitos were very abundant pre-
vious to the inauguration of the control measures there. It is wall
to rem-rx that not a sincle case of malaria develnped at the 2ifle
Ranze. ‘his is directly due to the efficient wr« of Lt. Snidow of

the Public Health service.
APP ReCIATI ONe

Throughout the entire season much help, advise, and encouragement
has been received from Lt. Col. I. W. Brewer, the Camp sureeon, who

has @ xeen anvreciation of insect control wrx.
PLANS FOR 1919.

It is planned to continue tre wrx of ditching and oiling as
carried on the pust season in all the vurious ureas. as the camp in-

creases in size and its activities become multiplied it is anticip-
15

ated that the areas 3, C, and = will have to be enlarred, hence
more territory to be insnected and an extension of control measures
rede necessary. Farticular attention shoula be paid to the de-
struction of weed srowth in the waters of Dosve Bey, Tohic« and
Accatinx Bays, and Gunston vay. So long as weed growth is allowed
to exist tnere will be mosquito breeding. The destruction of the
veeds should commence as soon as the growth starts in the springs.
It can be accomplished by dracvine with tne weed cutting saw, hereto-
fore spoken of. It is susyested that this saw could be manipulated
by two pontoons, one at either end of the 200 front lensth saw. Co-
orsration of the pontoon school is remested. Continuation of the

co-operation of the Public Nealth “arvice is absolutely essential.

RECO.LEINDATIONS 2eLATING TO TH. ORGANIZATION
O2 THis DETACH ENT SAN ITDARY CORPO.
During the past season there have been but tw officers with the

detachment. This is not sufficient, and another second Lieutenant
is requested. ‘The duties of Captain ©. H, Gibson, and 2nd Lieutenant
R. A. Jaccson have been so numerous that the men have not been rroper-=-
ly supervised in the field. it is sugvested tnat the proper orgeni-g
zation should include one officer to plan, supervise, and check up
the wrk; one officer to stay with the men in the field; and one offi-
cer to run the company, ouyrying with it the duties of supply, person-
nel, etc. It is also recommended that eight white sergeants be assizg-
ned to the detachment as it is necessary to work the colored men in
numerous details of varying numbers and by the experiences of the

past season it has been found that colored non-conmissioned officers
ec
a
16

have moved inefficient. These sergeants should be trained as
mosquito inspectors and wuld be able to carry on considerable of
the professional duties connected with moswmito work that the une

educated colored en 2re unable to do.

PART Ile
FLY PREVENTION wORde

Early in March 1918, carp authorities recognized the apparent

jrobability of extensive fly breeding within the camp limits, am

realized the importance of the moblem in its relation to ceneral
camp sanitation and health. Hence it ~as ordered that praticular
attention be given to the prevention of fly breeding. The gener-
al supervision of this wrk was placed under Captain E. H. Gibson
of the Yanitary Corps, who acted under the recommendation and
direction of the Camp Surgeon.

& survey of the possible fly breeding crounis of the comp was
made during Miarch.e. As the camp enlarged, the increased territory
taxen in was surveyed. By keeping this survey up to date, it was
alweys possible to point out the important breeding places. A
summary of this survey wrk is contained on Chart #5, which shows
graphically the various principal sources of bree line. On this
chart the intensity of color indicates the intensity of breeding.

The stables of the civilian contractors and employees present -
ed the greatest difficulty in the prevention of fly breeding dur-
ing the entire season, because of the fact that recormeniations

made to those in charge could not be enforced. T his comition
1?

was $n great contrast to that which existed with the arry stables
where recommendations made were enforced to the letter. All
army stables were required by a camp order to apply a borax solu-
tion at the rate of 1 1b. of borax to 12 gallons of water, to the
stable floors twice daily, after each clemins. MThis solution
acted as a repellant to the flies and killed es that it came in
contact with. It was apnlied by 3 eallon syrinklins cms, usine
2 can fulls to the aprlication. This method reduced the menace
marxedly and held the breeding around the stables to a minimum.
Even so the stables formed the principal breeding places in camp,
especially during the sprins wd early summer months. The ground
around mess halls, temporary latrines, garbage dumps, etc., pro-
duced some flies, but these gmunds were only tenvorary breeding
grounds and when inspected and ordered clemed up, their menace
was eradicated.

Large out-door fly traps were designed by Capt. Bibson and
Constructed by a contract carnenter. The camp Quartermaster pur-
Chased a large supply of these and distributed them to the vari-
ous organizations in camp for use in stables and mess halls. These
traps were also factors in reducing the fly menace, catching larze
numbers from liay 15 to the beginning of cold weather. Chart #6
shows the total number of flies cancht daily by 100 such traps.
These figures may be taken as a general indication of the preval-
ence of flies during the season, the curve showing that at June 30,

and fly season was at its heivht, after which it eradually de-
18

creased until the end of the season. Bait used in the fly
traps was principally fresh meat, decayed fruit and vegetables,
and sweets such as molasses and syrups. ‘The general recormend-
ation was to use what was the most practieal amd easily avail-
able of the above, ths main thine being to keen the bait fresh,
repleishing at least once daily.

Chart #6 also contains curves showing the prevalence of the
various important svecies of flies during the Season. irom these
it is wrthy to note that <s the general sanitation of the camp
improved, the percentage of house flies and blow flies to the
total number of flies cmrhnt decreased.

Other factors which helped materially to decrease the fly
menace were the excellent screening of all camp buildings and
the common use of fly paper. However, most of the doors of the
mess halls and other buildings were hung imoroperly, opening in-
wards rather than outwards. ‘Zhis fault was remedied in many in-
stances before the seasn became far advanced end another year

could be entirely removed.
RELL OF ADVISORY aND SUEERVISORY WORK.

During what was a bed fly season outside of camp, the fly
menace was reiuced to 2 minimum within the camp limits. by the

vieltlance of the Camp Surgeon, Lt. Col. I. w. Brewer,
19

and his assistants in plannine and carrying out all measures
tendinz towards the prevention of fly breedins. No epidemics
of dysentary or other intestinal tmubles occurred that mirht
have been traced to the vrevalence of flies, and in gencral,

the camp was kept comparatively free from fly nuisances.

BU IAG BARI AL ua? e

At the susgestion of Lt. Col. Grewer, exreriments were con-
ducted to work out the efficiency of burnins magzots and egrs by
a burning apvaratus which shot forth a flame of fire. or this
purpose, three Suckeye Thawins Outfits, type a, were purchased
by the quartermester from the iceLeod Co. of Cincinnati.

It is a five gallon kerosene tanx fitted with am air com
pressing pump, and a meter to indicate the air pressure obtained.
From this tank leads a long rubber hose to which is attached the
vaporizing coil and hood. waste is rlaced around the coil md set
on fire. As the coil is heated, the kerosene bv means of the air
pressure is sent into the coil and out a small hole at the base of
the hood. As the kerosene comes out it is vaporized by the heat
and flames from the waste and issues forth from the mouth of the
hood in a strons intense white heat flame. The flame can be regu-
lated by a valve on the tanc« which controls the air escape. The
flare éan be made to shoot forth for a distance of between 3 and
4 feet. Tw men are required to operate and carry the apparatus. |

It was found that this flame was sufficiert to kill 211 fly

eocs and mazveots in the tov two inches of a manure pile, that is

the heat that penetrated for tw inches was sufficient to «ill
20

eces and marcsots that were fourd at such depths. This was checxed
up im mumerous instances at various manure piles and its efficiency
proved, which showea that if the surface of a manure pile was burned
over by this apparatus at the close of each day, all egss that were
laid in the pile during the dsy wuld be destroyed =~1 the probab-
Llity would be that the vile would cease to be a menace so far as
fly breeding is concerned. This same general scheme misht be
applied to the ground around mess halls, out door latrines, and any
place where flies would lay their es, and which vould be access-
ible to the flame. However, the fire menace must always be con-
sidered and sreat caution exercised in bringin=s the flame in con-
tact with objects that micht catch fire. The cost of apvlying this
flame to the manure pile that wuld accwmilate from 36 horses a

day and to the dirt floor of the stable, would not exceed 10 cents,

thus maciw: the cost of preventing a stable, housins 36 horses,

becoming a fly breeding place, approximately ten cents daily.
 
 
 

 

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MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

iii

93 0306