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34
In accordance with the established practice, maintenance
treatments were carried out on Corporation sewers during
March and September.
The Prevention of Damage by Pests (Application to
Shipping) Order 1951 applies to the many wharfs, jetties,
and dry docks in the Borough and by way of implementation,
the following visits and inspections were made:—
Coastwise vessels 27
Barges 81
Tugs 31
Dredgers 1
Repair vessels 2
Total 142
No marine infestations were located.
D (5)n Pest control—General sanitation
(a) During the year, many requests were received to deal
with infestations by wasps, beetles, bees, silverfish, ants, etc.,
and each complaint received individual attention. The necessary
destruction was carried out at a charge inclusive of cost of
insecticides and apportionment charge of the operative's time.
The income arising from this service amounted to
£35 7s. Od.
(b) A suspected Colorado Beetle which was submitted
for identification was found to be a Summer Chafer.
(c) In the early part of of the summer, it was found that
a huge quantity of sewerage screenings was being deposited
by the L.C.C. on land leased by that Authority and situated
on the Belvedere Marsh. Prompt pest control action at this
site prevented what could easily have been a considerable
nuisance, and as a result of statutory action, the practice of
dumping sewerage screenings in the Erith Borough area was
discontinued. After incineration, the residual deposits were
removed and dug into the land, and this site some 4,200
square yards in size is now free from offensive accumulations.
D (5)o Eradication of Bed Bugs
Vermin infestations continue to decrease and the number
of dwelling houses treated during the year was as
follows:—
Privately owned houses 9
Corporation houses 1
With a view to obtaining good control, occupiers are
encouraged to reveal any infestation, when every assistance
is given to cope with the menace of infestation.