The Courier Index

Death to the Fly

If there is no breeding place for flies there will be no flies. The almost total disappearance of stables from cities has removed a prolific source of fly propagation. But not all the spots which assist the fly in preserving his species were in the vicinity of stables. Where there is filth there will be flies and where flies go there will some of the filth accompany them.

Time was when flies were endured as an inevitable annoyance without an appreciation of the menace to health their presence is. They swarmed because no effort was made to eradicate them. That era is past but there are those still who tolerate conditions which in effect are not inimical to the interests of the fly.

Not every house occupant can prevent flies from seeking entrance but everyone can keep them on the outside. It is within the province of all to refuse to purchase food products which are accessible to flies.

Were everyone to eliminate breeding places on his own premises and to screen and swat, the fly soon would become as completely extinct as the monsters of which we know only through their fossil remains.

The fly is small but he makes up in industry and persistence what he lacks in size. We become alarmed when an epidemic threatens, yet too many of us tolerate the fly when we know his capacity as a disease carrier. Because he is no novelty we minimize the peril which he may transmit.