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Treatment of Sewers
The inspection and baiting of sewers is under the supervision
of the Highways Superintendent.
This work is usually carried out at regular intervals on a
block basis, specified areas of the borough being treated at one
time.
Where, however, it is proved that certain house drains are
infested, treatment of the sewers in that area are carried out on
request from this department.
During last year 367 manholes were inspected and treated.
(viii) Disinfestation of Insects and Pests
Numerous complaints were dealt with during the year concerning
insects and pests that invade homes, shops and stores.
Insects can have a variety of effects on the human race or
its environment, they can destroy or harm food, ruin furniture,
materials and works of art, cause damage to timbers, endanger
health or just cause annoyance.
The present modes of travel, whereby any destination can be
reached in a relatively short time is a great asset to the public,
but at the same time it has brought its problems, as during recent
years new species of insects have been introduced to this country
from abroad, either in cargoes or luggage.
The variety of species of insect pests is always increasing, and
identification becomes more difficult, however, we are fortunate
in being ble to send species either to the Natural History Museum
or to one of the firms that manufacture "pesticides," for identification.
From these sources, in addition to the identification, we
can learn the life history, country of origin, whether the insect
is harmful or not and the best control measures to use.
It is evident that the public are becoming more insect conscious
by the number of requests that are made for assistance
to eradicate various insects.
Apart from the housefly which is the most common of household
pests, those that we are mainly called upon to deal with
are timber beetle, furniture beetles, carpet moths, store beetles,
gooseberry mite and most frequently wasps and ants.
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