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in search of food. One hundred and thirty-two treatments involving
247 rooms and 89 external areas were carried out to combat the
reported nuisances.
Three complaints were received during the current year concerning
one of the commonest of ants, the very small red House or
Pharaoh's ant (Monomorium Pharaonis), which resulted in the
treatment of 8 rooms.
This species, being of tropical origin, is incapable of breeding
in England without artificial heat. A temperature of approximately
80°F. is considered to be ideal for its propagation and ipso facto it
is found infesting bakehouses, restaurants, hospitals and houses,
especially in larders and kitchens, and nests may be found behind
wall plasters, behind pipes or ovens, in heating ducts and under
floor coverings and foundations.
Cockroaches.—The cockroach (Blatta orientalis) and its
smaller relative (Blattella germanica) are well known for their
destructiveness, especially in relation to stored organic matter,
ranging from foodstuffs to book bindings. Food is rendered repulsive
from contamination not only with their faeces but also with the
secretion from their scent glands, and the cockroach is strongly
suspected of transmitting to man a number of pathogenic organisms
especially those of an enteric nature.
Cockroaches shun the light and are most active during the night.
Warmth, moisture, darkness and close proximity to food supplies
constitute favourable conditions for breeding.
Fifty-five complaints were received concerning this pest and
thorough investigation and treatment with Dieldrin Concentrate
resulted in the infestations being considerably reduced. In all, 50
treatments were effected involving 211 rooms.
Clover Mite.—Fifteen complaints were received, mainly from
tenants in blocks of flats in various parts of the Borough, concerning
small red or dark brown insects (Bryobia praetiosa) found
moving over walls and windows. Treatment consisted of spraying
14 rooms and 30 exterior surfaces with Dieldrin Concentrate which
produced satisfactory results.
Wasps.—Complaints received implicated three types, the
Common, the German and the Tree wasp. (Vespula vulgaris, V.
germanica and V. sylvestris.)
Fear of the wasp is often misplaced for they rarely sting unless
they are roused or frightened and, contrary to popular belief, wasps
are not entirely harmful for in spring and early summer they feed