Fumigation
For those who want the additional safeguard of fumiga¬tion, the best method is as follows: Pour seven ounces of fresh potassium permanganate crystals into a deep galvanized pail and pour over these one pint of 40 per cent, solution of formaldehyde diluted slightly with two ounces of hot water. Within about a quarter of a minute there will begin a “boil¬ing,” and soon a dense column of formaldehyde gas will be given off. Before this treatment is started, all openings, cracks and crevices (including the keyholes) through which air may enter or the gas escape must be sealed, paper se¬cured with flour paste being excellent for the purpose. The quantities mentioned are for each 1,000 cubic feet of room space (10 by 10 by 10 feet). The room should remain closed and sealed for twelve hours.
The treatment must be given just as mentioned, or there will not be satisfactory disinfection. It will be better if the deep pail is placed in the center of a large wash-tub; other¬wise several thicknesses of newspapers covering an area of three or four feet square should be placed under the pail. Any bubbling over of the fluid upon the floor will make stains that are not removable. The room should be thoroughly aired for several hours, preferably for a day and a night, before being used again.