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33
June, July, September and November from the Church Street
second class swimming bath, and from the Dulwich and Old Kent
Road baths in the months of June, July and September.
The reports received of these examinations were satisfactory
in every instance.
Eradication of Bed Bugs.
The following outline of the procedure followed by the staff
of the Public Health Department in dealing with the subject of the
eradication of bed bugs is included in this report at the request of
the Ministry of Health.

(2) In addition to cases of bug infestation discovered by the
Sanitary Inspectors in the normal course of their duties, these
officers of the Council visited all premises reported to be infested
with bugs and where their presence was confirmed, the method
employed for dealing with this nuisance was as follows :—
The owner of the premises was requested to strip the walls and
ceilings, ease picture rails, skirting boards, architraves and window
mouldings as may be necessary to enable effective disinfestation to
be carried out. When this work was carried out the Council's
Disinfecting staff followed on and sprayed the infested room or
rooms with an insecticide, which process was repeated at intervals
of 10 to 14 days until the premises were judged to be clear. The
preparation used for this purpose was Slatfords insecticide, and its
refined product " Vermicine " for more delicate work. At the
same time infested bedding, curtains and other articles were
removed for steam disinfection at the Council's Disinfection
Station. The tenant was also requested to co-operate in these
operations by undertaking " Spring Cleaning" of the house,
using generously soap and water and a scrubbing-brush.
The owners were then requested to replace the woodwork and
to distemper the walls and ceilings after making good any defects.