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premises were inspected either where infestations were suspected or for example, during the
'routine' inspection of food premises by Public Health. Inspectors.
A service is provided for Council establishments under the control of other departments.
Infestations of rats, especially in domestic premises, are often associateed with garden sheds,
compost heaps, etc., and good maintenance of these and the general reduction of 'clutter' at
the bottom of some gardens is often the answer to the householders' problem.
Mice in domestic premises, particularly where it is difficult or impracticable to use either
of the main rodenticides used, again call for special vigilance and perseverance by the householder
in order to effect total clearance and the service provided by the Council can best be regarded
as supplementary to the householder's efforts.
Five written notices have been served during the year under the Prevention of Damage
by Pests Act 1949.
Disinfection
Arrangements exist with a neighbouring London Borough (Greenwich) to disinfect articles
of clothing and bedding that cannot otherwise be properly disinfected on site.
The few occasions that arise are supervised by a Public Health Inspector who also gives
advice at the premises and, where necessary, supervises disinfection there although the gaseous
disinfection of premises is now rarely required.
Disinfestation
To meet the occasions when persons or personal clothing requires disinfestation arrangements
exist for their attendance at a Cleansing Station in a neighbouring Borough.
A small number of complaints of bed bugs and fleas, including animal flfeas, are still received
each year. Although very few of these have been 'heavy' infestations they quite naturally cause
disturbance to occupiers and call for thorough attention, advice and use of appropriate
insecticides.
Fox, Pigeon and Wasp Control
Complaints are received from residents regarding 'nuisances' caused by foxes, pigeons and
wasps. Whilst it is not the function of this department rigorously to control any of these species,
we, nevertheless, give advice and where necessary, service where considerable inconvenience is
being caused.
One hundred and forty-six foxes and nearly fifteen hundred feral pigeons were killed during
the year. The department received over one hundred and sixty requests, most of them during
July and August, to deal with wasps' nests in and around houses, adjacent to footpaths, etc.
Where these nests were accessible they were dealt with at a charge to the occupier. In other
cases, for example where access behind tiles, etc., was required, the complainants were referred
to a local pest control firm.
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