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Eradication of Bed Bugs.
Information is given to the Public Health Department of
premises on this Council's Estates believed to be infested with bugs
with a request for inspection of the premises by the Sanitary Inspector
and for disinfestation where such action was deemed
necessary. During 1937 the number of such premises disinfested
by the Council's disinfecting staff was 7.
Disinfection of furniture, bedding and other effects is carried
out at the request of the London County Council where there is
evidence of the presence of vermin in a tenant's belongings before
the family moves into a London County Council dwelling. During
the year 32 of these cases received attention.
The disinfestation of private dwelling houses is carried out by
the Council's Officers provided the owners are prepared to co-operate
by stripping the walls and ceilings, easing picture-rails, skirting
boards, architraves and window mouldings as may be necessary to
ensure that spraying with a vermicide effectively penetrates the
harbourages of these vermin. At the same time arrangements are
made for the bedding, curtains and other articles to be steam disinfected
at the Council's Disinfecting Station. The tenant is also
requested to assist by the generous use of soap and water and a
scrub brush in the rooms and articles affected.
This procedure is repeated at intervals of 10 days to a fortnight
until the premises are judged to be free from vermin. The owner is
then requested to replace the woodwork and to distemper the walls
and ceilings.
Tenants are also advised as to the precautions to be taken
against re-infestation and are informed that sprayers and 1 lb.
tins of vermicine are available at cost prize viz. 1s. 3d. and 1s.
respectively on application to the Public Health Department.
As the present method of disinfestation by the Council's disinfecting
staff gives satisfactory results no use has been made of
hydrogen cyanide or orthodichlorbenzine for the fumigation of
premises in the Borough owing to the toxicity of the fumes to
human beings.
Fouling of footpaths by dogs.
During the year 9 summonses were issued in respect of offences
against the Council's By-law prohibiting the fouling of footways
by dogs on leads.
Schools.
The sanitary conveniences of private schools in the Borough
were inspected during the year. A few minor defects were discovered
which were promptly remedied.