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Disinfestation.—The campaign against the bed-bug was continued on the lines described in detail in
last year's report, 578 dwellings, involving 1,329 rooms, being treated with D.D.T. by means of the
special van containing a petrol-driven compressor unit and the necessary hosing and spraying
apparatus. Included in the 578 dwellings were 118 requisitioned premises and 33 municipal flats
where bugs were found.
Treatment of verminous furniture by hydrocyanic acid gas (HCN) which has been carried out, in
specially constructed vans, under contract by the Council for many years, has been continued, more
particularly in the case of removals to fresh housing accommodation. In 1949 the furniture of 237
families (of whom 225 were being rehoused) was dealt with by this method.
Verminous Persons.—The Council's Cleansing Station in Lisson Grove dealt with 1,632 vermin-infested
persons : adults 484 (men 440, women 44) ; children 1,148 (boys 268, girls 880).
Shelter.—The shelter accommodation provided at 217, Lisson Grove, under section 195(4) of the Public
Health (London) Act, 1936, for families temporarily dishoused was used for one night by one person
while disinfestation of her dwelling was being carried out.
Rodent Control.—Complaints received numbered 1,035, and 73 food and 767 other premises were
found to be infested. Of the 73 food premises, 33 were shops, 36 hotels and restaurants and 4 clubs ;
the 767 other premises included 389 dwelling houses, 99 shops, 120 warehouses and stores, 25 factories,
19 hospitals and institutions, 98 offices, 8 garages and 9 bombed sites. In the majority of cases
the owners or occupiers of infested premises were glad to take advantage of the Council's rat destruction
service, in connection with which the rodent operatives made a total of 10,710 visits. Treatments
were given in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and
were charged for at the rate of 5s. per treatment in the case of private dwellings and 10s. per treatment
for most business premises. Higher charges were made in a small number of instances where the size
of the premises necessitated more extensive work. In order to combat the spread of rats, and more
particularly of the ship or black rat, the rodent control staff was increased by one operative in August
and by two operatives in October, making a total of six operatives, one of whom was given the status
of "leading rodent operative." At the same time one of the sanitary inspectors was designated
"Rodent Officer." In November a scheme of re-organization was inaugurated and a beginning was
made in the application of "block control," which involves a survey of all buildings in island blocks
where the presence of rats is suspected. The half-yearly treatment of sewers was continued and it was
computed that 2,324 rats were killed in January and 710 in July as a result of this action.
The Council's publicity material was improved by the addition of an attractive pictorial poster and
leaflet urging those troubled with rats or mice to get into touch with the Public Health Department.
Dog Nuisance.—Contraventions of the bye-law relating to the fouling of footways by dogs reported by
the Streets Nuisance Inspector resulted in summonses in 27 cases. One further offence was notified
by the police. In all of these convictions were secured and penalties imposed, costs being awarded to
the Council in five cases. The total number of prosecutions since the bye-law came into operation
in 1928 is 431, the amount of fines imposed being £177 14s. 6d. In addition to the formal printed
notices, pictorial posters, urging dog owners to keep the pavement clean and warning offenders of
the consequences of failure to do so, were prepared and exhibited during the year. Smaller
reproductions were issued as leaflets.
Pigeons.—Nuisance from these birds was the subject of two complaints relating to a church and a
public building. Both complaints were dealt with satisfactorily by an approved pigeon catcher to
whom the complainants were referred.
Mosquitoes.—Complaints of mosquitoes were received during the summer months from residents in the
neighbourhood of the Grand Union Canal. While it was not at all certain that the insects came from
the canal water itself, there was evidence that mosquitoes were breeding in bilge water in moored
canal boats and this matter was taken up with the Docks and Inland Waterways Executive who made
representations to the owners of the craft concerned. No further trouble was experienced.
Noise.—Complaints of nineteen noise nuisances were received. They were concerned with such diverse
matters as dogs, radio, costermongers' barrows, bands, street musicians, hospital hooter, machinery
of various kinds, demolition operations, shoe-repairing shops, and a social gathering. The majority
of these nuisances were abated after action by the sanitary inspector and streets nuisance inspector.
In other cases, where upon investigation it appeared that the Department had no power to take direct
action, the complaints were referred to the Town and Country Planning Authority and to the Police.
In no case was legal action necessary by the Council.
Atmospheric Pollution.—For many years emissions from the Aberdeen Place and Lodge Road
Electricity Generating Stations have been a source of serious nuisance. From time to time