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As a result of noise complaints 533 visits were made and the majority of
problems were ameliorated by ready co-operation. Most industrialists are conscious
of their responsibilities and are generally ready and willing to co-operate, but there
are still a few exceptions.
DIS1NFEST ATION
Powers to deal with filthy or verminous premises or articles and verminous
persons are contained in Sections 83 to 86 of the Public Health Act, 1936, as
amended by Sections 35 to 37 of the Public Health Act, 1961.
The council provides a treatment centre for the cleansing and treatment of
verminous and scabetic persons and during the year 142 persons were treated, the
majority of whom suffered from scabies. Facilities are also available at the treatment
centre for the disinfestation of clothing.
The incidence of vermin in dwelling houses has been reduced very considerably
by the use of modern insecticides, and the formerly common pests such as bed
bugs and fleas are now comparatively rare. However, on a few occasions verminous
bedding was treated at the disinfecting station.
PEST CONTROL
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, requires an occupier to notify
the local authority if his premises are infested by rats or mice, but it is the responsibility
of the occupier himself to take steps to destroy them and it is the council's
duty to see that he does this. Nevertheless, best results are usually achieved where
the local authority undertakes rodent control as a public health service. In Enfield,
householders and occupiers of business premises can have the assistance of trained
council staff, which ensures that suitable material and reliable techniques are used,
and that all the property involved in any infestation is dealt with. No charge is
made for this service to householders.
Most of the complaints received are attributable to defective drains and sewers.
When complaints are received adjoining premises are surveyed and, where necessary,
the drains tested. In addition to 7,830 visits to premises by the rodent control
staff, 1,004 visits in connection with rats and mice were made by the public health
inspectors. In all, 2,570 premises were visited.
Warfarin, which, when properly used, presents little hazard to man or domestic
animals, is used almost exclusively for surface treatments. Although there is evidence
of a developed immunity to this poison in some local authority areas, there
is no evidence of this happening in Enfield.
Again due to staff shortages and sickness, the treatment of sewers has been
considerably curtailed. This is to be regretted, as a build-up of the rat population
quickly takes place unless treatments are maintained. Direct poisoning without
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