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46
(d) Rats and Mice Destruction Act, 1919.
The propaganda carried out by the Ministry of
Food, calling attention to the importance of the
conservation of food as an essential in the difficult
first year after the war, has had its effect. We find,
increasingly, the general public immediately bring to
our notice any spoiling of food by rats or any damage to
property.
It is also generally recognised that in order to prevent
surface infestation the repair of drains and sewers
must be well maintained.
The shortage of labour was still acute during the
year and we were unable to carry out the radical sewer
treatment which had been scheduled but sewer baiting
continued. With the evidence now collected, it is felt
that satisfactory treatment can be completed during
the year 1946.
We have throughout the year employed one rat
operative, who has been engaged continuously in
dealing with minor infestations, with success.
(9) ERADICATION OF BED BUGS.
Following the cessation of the war, the manufacturers
of insecticides commenced the distribution of
their proprietory brands containing D.D.T. The