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and they are much less severe than formerly. The services
of the officers of the public health department are, however,
frequently sought by householders for the eradication
of other pests such as cockroaches, beetles, ants,
wasps and fruitflies. The following table shows the number
of premises inspected and the visits made during 1960 to
deal with these infestations.
Type of Infestation Number of Premises Number of Visits
Bed Bugs 219 275
Fleas 14 16
Lice 2 2
Cockroaches 5 9
Beetles 33 36
Wasps 37 37
Maggots 5 5
Ants 56 66
Moths 4 4
Clover Mite 24 31
Flies 9 10
Silver Fish 8 8
Mosquitoes 12 12
Other Arthropods 4 4
432 515
It is not generally realised by the public that under
the provisions of Section 123 of the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, the responsibility for ridding premises of
vermin rests with the owner or occupier, and the local
authority is empowered to serve a notice requiring him to
take such steps as may be necessary to destroy and remove
the vermin. The Council's Disinfecting Staff can, however,
much more readily and efficiently achieve this and no
resident who asks for their assistance is refused. Neverselves
theless, householders are encouraged to take steps themto
deal with such pests and tins of insecticide
and sprayers are available at the Public Health Department
at cost-price for any ratepayers who wish to take advantage
of this facility. Many sprayers and tins of insecticide
are sold every year, particularly during the warm weather.
Routine inspection and regular spraying of the few
static water tanks still remaining in the Borough was
carried out during the summer months to prevent the breeding
of mosquitoes. When necessary the London Fire Brigade
were requested to pump the water from these tanks and the
10