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6. Vermin.
(i) Bed Bugs.
During the year 45 complaints were received of infestation
of premises by bed bugs.
The number of houses and/or their contents found to be
infested was 28 (including 5 in the Council's possession).
In suitable cases, and on the request of tenant and owner,
the disinfestation of the premises and contents were
simultaneously carried out by the Department In all other
cases the premises were disinfested by the owners, and
the contents by the tenants. In all necessary cases bedding
was steam disinfected by the Department.
The usual method of disinfestation insisted upon is to
strip as much woodwork from walls etc. as possible, and
spray with contact fluid. Close supervision was made of
premises which had been disinfested, and tenants were given
suitable advice and instruction on methods of prevention
and destruction of vermin.
(ii) Rats and Mice.
725 visits were made to premises in connection with rat
infestation. 216 complaints were received, and at 327
premises infestation was remedied.
A whole-time rat-catcher has been engaged since 1941.
In addition to work carried out at owner's or occupier's
expense in dealing with rodents on private property, he has
also undertaken similar duties on the properties in the
possession of the Council, including sewers. During the
year he has paid 2,525 visits in connexion with the work
of eradicating rodents.
7. Food Inspection.
(i) Meat Inspection.
No slaughter of animals was carried out in the District.
(ii) Food—Diseased and Unsound.
6 tons 13 cwt. 0 qrs. 15 lbs. of unsound food was surrendered
as unfit for human food during the year, as shown