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(3) Disinfestation of furniture, etc., by spraying and the steam
disinfestation of bedding and other effects was carried out at the
request of the London County Council when there was evidence
of the presence of vermin in a person's house before the tenant
moved into a London County Council dwelling.
During the year 60 of these cases received attention.
(4) The work of disinfestation was in every instance carried
out by this Council's Disinfecting staff. The number of rooms
disinfested during the year was 1,489.
(5) In order to prevent re-infestation the Sanitary Inspectors
explained to the tenants the precautions which must be taken
if a house was to remain free from vermin. Attention was drawn
to the necessity of carefully examining any secondhand furniture
which might be purchased subsequently. Tenants were also
informed that sprayers and tins of Vermicine were available at
cost price, viz.: Is. 3d. and Is. respectively, on application to the
Public Health Department.
Fouling of Footpaths by Dogs.
During the year it was necessary to issue 8 summonses
in respect of offences against the Council's by-law prohibiting the
fouling of footways by dogs on leads.
Nuisance from Pigeons.
Three complaints were received of nuisances caused by pigeons
believed to have no owner.
At the direction of the Public Health Committee, the Borough
Engineer and Surveyor was directed to undertake the trapping and
destruction of these birds from the premises concerned.
Rat Repression.
During the year 194 investigations were made by the Sanitary
Inspectors following complaints of alleged rat infestations.
Where the nuisance was due to the defective condition of the
drains, appropriate action was taken by the Sanitary Inspectors. In
other instances advice was offered as to the most suitable method
to employ to secure the destruction of these vermin. The issue of
poison baits was continued throughout the year. The activities of
the Council during National Rat Week were as follows:—