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Pest Control
Complaints of rats and mice have increased again during the year. This is rather
surprising so far as rats are concerned having regard to the fact that the number of
takes in the baiting of the sewer manholes was very much smaller. This shows that
it is not easy to relate surface infestation with that of the sewers.
In the case of mice infestations it was found necessary to bait over a considerable
period to get a complete elimination. Carelessness in the storage of food is almost
invariably a major contributory factor.
The number of premises found infested with bugs and fleas was fortunately remarkably
small, but the number of verminous persons and articles dealt with at
the two stations was higher than in previous years. It is to be hoped that the upward
trend will not continue.
The number of pigeons destroyed was slightly higher than the previous year.
The chief cause of this continuing nuisance is the feeding of the birds by the general
public.
Outworkers
Outwork is still on the decline and the figures show that the principal types carried
out is in connection with the clothing trade.
Generally
The tables show lower figures for work carried out and this fact is due to the
establishment of public health inspectors being twenty-five per cent below strength.
It is hoped that improvement may be achieved by the use of technical assistants in
certain aspects of the work.
The real answer however is for a greater use of the student training scheme so
that vacancies, particularly in the inner London Boroughs may be filled.