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TREATMENT AND BATHING CENTRE
(Superintendent - Mr. T. Lloyd, T.D.)
The number of premises requiring treatment for infestations of
the usual domestic insect pests has greatly reduced during the past
few years.
In 1963 only 857 rooms in dwelling houses were treated for bedbugs
infestations. A certain amount of this disinfestation was of a
precautionary nature only, preceding re-housing in Southwark Borough
Council or London County Council housing accommodation. These figures
compare very favourably with those for the year 1953 when it was
found necessary to treat 1,713 rooms in domestic premises, mainly for
substantial infestations of bed-bugs.
There would appear to be three reasons for this marked decrease
in bed-bug infestations. The first ana main reason is obviously the
demolition of many of the older and often heavily infested dwellings
and their replacement with modern houses and flats. Secondly, the
effectiveness of modern insecticides and the comparative ease with
which these insecticides can be applied. Finally, there is the most
welcome change of attitude of mind towards these pests. In the past
they were, in some areas, often tolerated and accepted almost as part
of normal living. Frequently, when the presence of an infestation of
bugs was indicated to an occupier, the reply was: "Yes, of course
we've got bugs, everyone has. They were here when we came. They
feed on the wall plaster!" When it was learnt that the thriving colonies
of bugs in the rooms fed only on blood and that the "heat
bumps" on Johnny's neck were, in fact, bug bites, there was usually
some concern expressed. However, it is now generally well known that
with modern pesticides, an infestation of these "bloodsuckers" and
other domestic vermin can be eradicated quickly with a minimum of
inconvenience to the occupiers. Furthermore, in this Borough no
charge is made to the occupiers of dwellings in Southwark for the
services of the Council's disinfestation staff.
A considerable number and variety of other insect and similar
pests were dealt with in both domestic and other premises during the
year. These included Beetles in adult and immature forms, (Dermestes,
Blaps, Wood-boring, Spider beetles and other species.) Flies, House
and Blow fly species, Cockroaches, Silverfish, Pigeon Mites, Clover
Mites, Ants and Slugs.
It may be difficult to appreciate, unless directly affected by
the invasion of one's home by these pests, that clover mites, ants
and slugs could be a problem in a Central London Borough. They are,
of course, usually associated with much less urbanised areas. However the
minor infestations that we have of these normally rural pests are a
small price to pay for the pleasures derived from seeing things growing
naturally, on the small areas left to us.