View report page

ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
As I stated in my last report, the use of Cimex-Azet Phume
as a fumigant has been discontinued: for various reasons it has
not been deemed advisable to use either H.C.N, or Heavy Naphtha
and we have been thrown back upon the use of Sulphur Dioxide
Gas. In a considerable proportion of the cases dealt with, however,
we have used a proprietory agent, " Pyagra," applied by
means of an electric sprayer, and this has given satisfactory
results. This work is carried out by the staff of the Public
Health Department, and the Senior Inspector, Mr. Davis, has
himself devoted much of his time to the supervision of this work
recently. The premises occupied by families who have been
accepted as tenants for any of the Council's properties are inspected
before removal. Where infestation is discovered fumigation of
the house and effects is insisted upon before removal to a Council
flat is permitted. Wherever vermin are discovered the Inspector
is required as part of his duty to explain to the tenant the importance
of preventing infestation and the means to be adopted by
himself for this purpose. In addition, illustrated lectures are
given upon this subject during the summer months. The following
table shows the fumigations carried out during 1938 :—
Infested Disinfested
Council flats or houses 286 286
Council houses on Insanitary Areas
during decanting 449 449
London County Council Removals 15 15
Houses disinfested prior to demolition — 380
Other houses or flats 96 96
INSPECTIONS. PROCEEDINGS, ETC.
Hereunder will be found particulars of Inspections, Proceedings,
etc., for the year 1938: —
Inspection of Dwelling Houses during the Year:—
Total number of dwelling-houses inspected
for housing defects (under Public Health
or Housing Acts) 7,783
(6) Number of Inspections made for the purpose 39,727