Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tottenham]
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48
Advice is given on the best methods of controlling fly nuisances
and particular attention is paid in this respect to the various
premises in the district where food is prepared, stored or sold.
It has been found that this advice is welcomed by the
proprietors and that they are usually anxious to co-operate in
combating this pest, which they are becoming to recognise as, not
only a danger to health, but also as an agent causing deterioration
and putrefaction of foodstuSs.
Cockroaches and Beetles.
The Public Health Department continued to assist householders
in dealing with infestations from these insects. Usually they are
found to nest in inaccessible parts around the fireplace. To eradicate
them it is usually necessary to have the floorboards lifted and,
using a dusting gun, to liberally scatter D.D.T. powder around the
hearth and into cavities thereunder.
A charge of 2/6d. is made for the Council's services.
Summary of Disinfestation Work during 1948.
Insect. | Private Houses. | Council Houses | Total. | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Houses. | Rooms | Houses. | Rooms | Houses. | Rooms | |
Bugs | 255 | 563 | 13 | 28 | 268 | 591 |
Fleas | 2 | 8 | — | — | 2 | 8 |
Beetles | 29 | 52 | — | — | 29 | 52 |
Woodworm | 8 | 20 | — | — | 8 | 20 |
Silverfish | 0 | 3 | — | — | 2 | 3 |
Flies | 6 | 9 | — | — | 6 | 9 |
Ants | 12 | 12 | — | — | 12 | 12 |
Slugs | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 |
Wasps | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | 1 |
Total | 316 | 669 | 13 | 28 | 329 | 697 |
Disinfestation upon removal to Council dwellings was carried
out in 135 instances.
Rodent Control.
Effective and prompt action is taken by the departmental
operators in all cases where complaints are received regarding the
presence of rats.