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(2) Several solutions may be used, e.g., paraffin-soap emulsion,
which is difficult to prepare; benzine and petrol, which are
dangerous, and solution "D," a proprietary preparation which
is used by the Public Health Department.
With the exception of Hydrocyanic-acid and Sulphur Dioxide all of these
are dependent upon the direct application of the vermicide tothe bug. This
means, that in order to be effective, the bugs must be exposed; woodwork,
etc., must be removed and the bugs sprayed with the solution. The
bugs must be traced and the stripping process continued as long as bugs
are found. Since it is doubtful whether a vermicide will destroy the eggs,
it is necessary to repeat the spraying at least two or three times; the
interval between the first and last application should not be less than a
fortnight. After treatment, all cracks and crevices in brickwork and
woodwork should be filled in and plaster made good. Even with this
procedure it cannot be guaranteed that bugs will not re-appear, as it is
practically impossible to treat every likely portion of the premises where
bugs may be secreted.
After drastic treatment as above outlined, the tenants of infested
premises should be encouraged to take prompt action should bugs
re-appear. Much may be achieved no doubt if tenants took prompt
action immediately upon seeing evidence of the presence of bugs; but to
be successful any treatment which is applied must be continued systematically
for a considerable time.
With the knowledge of the habits and life history of the bug, and the
limitations of the ordinary vermicides, it will, therefore, be appreciated
that the ridding of dwelling-houses, particularly old dwelling-houses,
from bugs, is a very difficult problem.
The present tendency to reduce the amount of woodwork in the construction
of modern dwellings and for their internal fittings, is in itself
an important preventive measure against vermin infestation, whether it
be bugs, cockroaches, beetles, rats or mice. The substitution of metal
for woodwork, or the use of some other smooth, impervious and unshrinkable
material, for internal surfaces would render serious bug-infestation
practically impossible and lesser infestations more easily dealt with.
During the past few weeks serious bug-infestation has been reported
in no less than 10 Council houses and flats, in addition to 12 privatelyowned
houses. Disinfestation of these premises has taken a long time