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118
More complaints were received of nuisance caused by
pigeons. These arise from the encouragement of flocks to
assemble at points where they are regularly fed and in some
instances control has been made extremely difficult because of
the lack of co-operation by some members of the public. A
number of birds were trapped during the year.
It is not generally known that pigeons are carriers of
disease and it is better to keep their numbers down to reasonable
proportions rather than expose residents to a health hazard and
to the obvious nuisance they become when encouraged. If the
practice of feeding pigeons were discontinued their numbers in
towns could soon be reduced to an acceptable figure.
When complaints of nuisance from squirrels are received,
advice is given on trapping or proofing. The extensive damage
which can be caused by these creatures is not realised until the
buildings have been invaded. Here again, residents are not
easily convinced that they should not feed them if they do not
wish to attract them to the vicinity of dwellings.
With regard to the treatment of sewers, some 400 manholes
were baited but it was not possible to complete the programme
during the year due to the shortage of staff.
An information leaflet was prepared and forwarded to the
301 residents who complained about wasps and bees and letters
and comments received indicate that this service was much
appreciated. If an infestation is to be treated it should be
done after dusk when the wasps are back in the nest. Experience
has proved that if the average person is properly advised he can
easily deal with a wasp nest without risk. In those cases
where the occupiers were unable through infirmity or similar
handicap to remedy the nuisance, members of the staff of the
Department gave practical assistance.
Close liaison was maintained with the staff of the
Laboratory at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food at
Tolworth where advice on problems of treatment for various insects
was readily obtainable. In return we were pleased tc assist in
providing facilities for the training of field officers on overseas
work and also a representative of the United Nations. Facilities
were also provided to assist in the production of a film on rodent
control in sewers which is being prepared by the Ministry.
The accompanying tabulated statement is an indication of
the work carried out during the year.