Important: Safety Warning
This page contains a formula or preparation using substances now known to be dangerously toxic, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, or cyanide compounds. Exposure to these substances can cause severe poisoning, permanent injury, or death.
In addition, this page recommends pest-control substances such as arsenic compounds, strychnine, or cyanide — in some cases applied to food crops. These substances are lethal to humans and animals, and their use is now banned or strictly controlled.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Cockroaches
(Blatta orientalis). These pests are frequently, but erroneously, termed Black Beetles. In its mature state, the male has wings extending only half the length of the body; the female has only rudimentary wings her eggs, which are about sixteen in number, are enclosed in an oblong case, which she carries about with her at first, fixed to the abdomen by a sort of gum. There are several good recipes for the destruction of these; and, although not generally so numerous as some other insects, they are sufficiently so to demand attention. It should be remembered that, like Crickets, they will not always eat the same thing, and, therefore, if one remedy fails, another should be tried.
James's Phosphor Paste. Without exception, this is one of the best exterminators. Spread on slices of bread, or mixed with honey, the insect takes it readily. Two or three applications are generally sufficient.
Arsenic. This, prepared as for ants, or mixed with boiled potatoes, parsnips, or roasted apples, will also kill almost every one in a few nights.
Bracken. The fresh cut fronds of Pteris aquilina, laid about, are said to drive them away.
Traps. The ordinary beetle traps sold at shops, if baited with honey or sprinkled with beer, will catch large quantities. Basins, containing beer, or beer and water, and having a few sticks placed against the sides to form a road, will also be found successful; soda water or champagne bottles, partly filled with beer and water, or weak honey syrup, and sunk into the earth, will prove very effective traps if not too often disturbed.