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Eradication of Bed Bugs. In the last Annual Report, the various methods
used by the Department in recent years for the eradication of bed bugs, were fully
described, and reference was made to the Council's experiments in the search for
a disinfectant which would not only kill bugs but which would also provide a residual
lethal effect.
It was also reported that a new twin-cylinder compressor set, the Aerograph
type "A.D.V." had been purchased. This apparatus has been used extensively
and excellent results obtained. This type of treatment is a vast improvement when
compared with the old methods, as constant refilling is now unnecessary and the
highest ceiling can be reached without the use of trestles or ladders. It is also
unnecessary to move the whole of the apparatus, as was the case in the use of former
types when moving from one room to another. Dry powder or liquid can be sprayed
with equal ease and generally the performance has been very good.
The fullest co-operation from householders is being obtained in this matter.
A letter, giving as much notice as possible of the proposed date of disinfestation,
together with advice on preparation for the process and the nature of the treatment,
is sent to the householder. In all cases a routine re-inspection of the premises
has been carried out to ascertain the degree of success obtained.
Prospective tenants of the Council's houses are all visited by the Sanitary
Inspector responsible for disinfestation, and 1,134 such visits were made during
the year. Upon finding vermin in furniture, a specially equipped Council pantechnicon
is used for the removal, and all articles (except bedding, which is treated
by steam) are fumigated in the vehicle with hydrogen cyanide gas. When sufficient
time has elapsed fully to process and ventilate the contents of the van, the furniture
is delivered to the Council house. Fifty such removals were undertaken during
1949 and a further 14 were similarly carried out on behalf of the London County
Council.
The Council is also called upon, at various times, to assist in the destruction
of such pests as cockroaches and beetles, etc., and although the Council is under
no obligation to assist in these matters, every assistance is, in fact, given. Treatment
with insecticides took place in 15 cases upon an undertaking being given by
the householder that a reasonable charge for the work would be paid.
Rodent Control. The work of rat destruction was continued throughout
the year. The staff engaged on this work consisted of two investigators and four
operatives working under the supervision of a Sanitary Inspector who devoted the
whole of his time to this service.
The treatment of private dwellings is generally free. This fact has made the
public much more ready to report infestations. Before the scheme commenced,
the average number of complaints received during a month was 40. This figure
has now increased to approximately 100 per month.
All complaints are investigated and the area of infestation defined before treatment
is commenced. In addition, a block control scheme is systematically worked
throughout the Borough.
Where the infestation appears to originate from the drainage system the drains
are tested and any defects remedied.
The sewers are treated twice a year in addition to an annual test bait, and the
Council's refuse destructor and tips are treated monthly.
The total number of premises surveyed during the year was 11,045, and the
number of inspections amounted to 27,090. Effective preventive measures were
taken in 2,286 instances.
Guidance to local authorities on methods of treatment continues to be made •
available by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Housing. As in previous post-war years, the housing problem, with almost
9,000 applicants outstanding at the year's commencement, has been of the utmost
concern to the Council. However, the number of new houses built by Woolwich
exceeded that of any other Metropolitan Borough, passing the 2,000 mark of new
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