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apparatus which could be used in any circumstances, and which would be independent
of electric power or manual operation. The apparatus obtained was the
"Aerograph. Type ADV," which comprises a twin-cylinder compressor driven by
a petrol-engine. The compressor unit is stationed outside the house, and the compressed
air is led into the house through a hose which is connected to a "pressure
tank" placed in a convenient position inside the building. To this "pressure
tank" (which contains two gallons of D.D.T. solution) are connected two hoses
(one for compressed air, the other for fluid) which are led to a "spray gun" which
can be adjusted to give a spray of various degrees of fineness. There are other
connections on the "pressure tank" which can be used for an additional spray
gun or for a "powder blower" (for use where dry powder has to be spread instead
of liquid). The spray gun has an extension arm fitted which enables the operator
to reach the highest parts of the room without the use of ladders or platforms.
When moving from one room to another it is only necessary to move the "pressure
tank" with the hoses and spray guns, and spraying can be continued so long as there
is fluid in the tank.
Co-operation of Householders. In order to encourage the co-operation
of householders, a letter is sent beforehand in each case informing the householder
of the date arranged for disinfestation, and giving advice as to the preparations
which should be made in advance of the arrival of the operators, together with
information on the nature of the treatment and subsequent precautions.
As was the case with the earlier methods of treatment, routine re-inspections
of premises which have been treated are carried out by the women Sanitary
Inspectors, in order to determine the success or otherwise of the treatment.
Disinfestation with Hydrogen Cyanide. The Sanitary Inspector in
charge of disinfestation inspects the furniture of all persons provisionally selected
as tenants for the Council's houses, decides when disinfestation is necessary and
makes the arrangements. During the year he made 1,826 visits in this connection.
In all cases where vermin are found, the removal is carried out under the supervision
of the Sanitary Inspector, in one of the Council's special pantechnicons.
After loading, the pantechnicon is driven to one of the Council's depots where
hydrogen cyanide gas is released inside the vehicle. After fumigation and ventilation
of the vehicle, the furniture is delivered to the tenant at the Council's house.
During the year 62 removals were carried out in this way.
Occasionally, requests are received from the London County Council for similar
treatments to be carried out on furniture belonging to new tenants of County Council
houses. During the year one such removal was carried out.
Control of Insect Pests other than Vermin. From time to time complaints
are received from householders and others regarding the presence of various insect
pests in their houses or belongings. Among these may be mentioned cockroaches,
beetles (especially wood beetles), silver fish and moths. Although the Council is
under no obligation to assist in these cases, advice is given, so far as is possible,
on identification and disinfestation of the pests, and if other disinfestation work
permits, treatment is carried out by the Council's staff on the householder undertaking
to pay a reasonable charge for the work. During the year, disinfestation