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99
this source have progressively diminished. Moreover, during 1963,
in anticipation of the construction of the new approach road to
Blackwall Tunnel some drainage work has been carried out which
has been a great factor in eliminating the basic cause of complaint.
As a result, treatment during the current year was limited to routine
spraying.
The treatment of house refuse in the dustbins was carried out
by arrangement with the Borough Engineer, a small quantity of
'Gammexane' powder being sprinkled into the dustbins at each
weekly collection. Dust chutes in the numerous blocks of flats
received regular treatment with 'Gammexane' powder by anti-fly
personnel, as soon as possible after dust collection and 2,382 treatments
were so carried out.
A gradually diminishing number of static water sites, ditches,
etc., were sprayed with either D.D.T. in Kerosene or Malariol, and
in certain instances dusted with 'Gammexane ' powder.
Vacant and bombed sites are regularly inspected for offensive
deposits in the nature of dead animals and food waste. It is found
that these items are generally placed away from the public view
and can become a potent source of fly breeding if not detected.
Other deposits include mattresses, discarded clothing and sundry
items of furniture, etc, surreptitiously dumped on vacant spaces
because the public, in the main, are unaware that this authority will,
upon request, collect and destroy such articles.
Deposits which by reason of organic substance allow fly
breeding are sprayed and removed for destruction centrally and the
immediate area sprayed and subjected to follow up inspection.
Other items are either treated and disposed of centrally, or burned
on the spot. In this connection 16 external areas were treated.
There is no doubt that since the introduction of the anti-fly
scheme, control of fly and mosquito breeding has been effectively
maintained and succeeding years have shown a progressive reduction
in the number of complaints notified to this department.
Disinfestation of Verminous Premises.— D.D.T. in kerosene
continues to give good results in dealing with verminous premises
when alternated with other vermicides such as Chlordane, Lindane
and Malathion, etc., to counteract the development of organismal
resistance.
During the year the department dealt with 69 cases of dirty
and verminous premises compared with 39 in 1963. The disinfestation
staff sprayed 169 rooms and contents as compared with 170
last year. In 9 cases the bedding and effects were removed to the
Council's disinfecting station for treatment by steam or formaldehyde.