View report page

73
15. ERADICATION OF BED-BUGS.
We find the general public are becoming more conscious of this pest and more
anxious to eradicate it.
Our experience during the year showed that where the infestation was of a
minor character the affected tenants were able to deal with the trouble themselves,
the Corporation providing the insecticide free, and instructing the tenants in its
application.
In 15 instances formal notices were served upon private owners to disinfest
rooms.
In one case by arrangement the house was vacated and fumigated by a contractor
with hydrogen cyanide gas, as was also a public room.
The Corporation at present do not provide temporary shelters, so that it is
usual to carry out fumigation with one of the sulphur products in the case of
tenanted houses after the necessary work of preparation has been carried out.
We have not used orthodichlorbenzine or naphthalene as both arc in experimental
stages.
We found 6 cases of minor infestation in London County Council houses which
were dealt with successfully by the tenants. 20 cases were referred to the Housing
Manager in respect of Barking Corporation houses, and in addition 24 houses
were disinfested as the result of his own investigation.
In one instance a Barking Corporation house was vacated and fumigated under
contract with hydrogen cyanide gas. In all other cases Corporation workmen
carry out the work using a liquid insecticide of the paraffin and phenol group.
Where removals to Corporation houses are from clearance areas fumigation of
the tenants' effects is carricd out by contractors in the removal vans, whilst bedding
and soft goods are steam disinfested at the Barking Hospital. Similar action is
taken in respect of removals from other properties where circumstances warrant.
Whenever and wherever practicable we advocate the use of hydrogen cyanide
gas as its use causes the least disturbance of the premises and is the most effective
fumigant available.
The grave danger arising from its use unfortunately prevents its wider application.