Bedbugs & Model T's

Live Oaks, draped with Spanish Moss, plantations, cotton fields, alligators and grits, are all things identified with the south. Most agree, there are few things in the south more beautiful than a Live Oak tree, with its spreading limbs garlanded by Spanish Moss, hanging like heavy green ice sickles at Christmas. Neither "Spanish" nor "Moss"; this parasitical plant is actually a member of the pineapple family, and no one is quite sure of the origins of its common moniker. No matter the name, it is difficult to think of the south without picturing it, or to imagine a swamp without a last alligator sunning himself beside a tree draped with it.

As with many things in nature, before the advent of modern conveniences and manufacturing, and before the invention of synthetic materials; Spanish Moss also had it's practical uses. Early southerners used the abundant material to stuff mattresses and furniture, and for animal bedding. The plant ended up at destinations around the world, as it made an excellent packing material for fragile goods (sans Styrofoam peanuts). Dried, it was even used to kindle fires. Dampened, it made excellent bedding material for delicate garden plants.

Few know however, that Spanish Moss is also the origin, (or reason for) the common "good night" saying, "sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite". Nevertheless, a few tourists, who have decided to take a bundle or two home, for souvenirs, have inadvertently discovered the meaning of this phrase. It seems tiny insects called "chiggers' love to hide in Spanish Moss! So small they can't be seen with the naked eye, these pesky little critters love to penetrate the pours of your skin to feast on a miniscule drop of your blood and leave a really irritating itchy reminder of their visit. Naturally, before the advent of pesticides and, synthetic padding, anyone sleeping on a mattress stuffed with Spanish Moss was likely ringing the dinner bell for the "bed bugs", as well! Henry Ford learned this the hard way, when he decided to use the natural (and economical) material to fill the seats of his Model "T" automobiles, subsequently infesting his factory, his employees and many of his customers (and probably causing the first "factory recall" in history).