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treatment, where 61 manholes, including those showing "takes" under
the test, were baited and in 31 cases the baits were taken. The second
treatment, where 53 manholes were baited, showed 15 "takes."
Verminous Conditions and Uncleanliness.
The continued low incidence of verminous conditions and
uncleanliness is a source of gratification, particularly taking into
consideration the housing shortage and the consequent overcrowded
conditions in which so many families are living. It is surely a measure
of our success over many years in educating the public in the principles
of cleanliness, that conditions fostered by dirt have declined to such
an extent as to be almost negligible. It would probably be true to
say that in the majority of cases of uncleanliness, the condition has
arisen as a result of old age or illness and not to neglect of the
elementary principles of hygiene in healthy, able-bodied people.
During the year, 31 complaints were received of infestation of
premises by bed bugs. This shows a continued low number of
complaints and it appears that bed bug infestation is well under control.
The number of houses and/or their contents found to be infested
was 11 (including two in the Council's possession). In suitable cases,
and on the request of the 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 occupiers. In all necessary cases,
bedding was steam disinfected by the Department.
The usual method of disinfestation is to spray with D.D.T. fluid.
Close supervision was made of premises which had been disinfested,
and the tenants were given suitable advice and instruction on methods
of prevention and destruction of vermin.