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nesting purposes. Such accumulation is just filth and is unquestionably
the forerunner of bug infestation of the whole premises,
and no proper remedial measures can be effected by occupiers or
anyone else simply by the spraying of walls, etc., with an insecticide.
Until every house is provided with a manhole giving access
to the underside of roofs which would allow of periodical inspection
by the owner for the removal of such filth, if present, much energy
and material is wasted and repeated attacks of infestation are most
highly probable.
In my opinion, one cannot too highly stress the importance
of correct bonding of brickwork, particularly near the roof, as this
is a primary factor of infestation one way or the other.
In substitution for the general pointing of verges of roofs—
often of doubtful material and workmanship—a sufficient bargeboard
should be fixed which would prevent the ingress and egress
of birds. Such would, in my opinion, prevent any accumulation
of filth by bird-life.
This would definitely locate infestation to the lower part of
the structure, where the application of insecticide—combined with
cleanly habits—would give satisfactory results.
The insecticide used by the Public Health Department costs
5s. 6½d. per gallon, and as much as 10 gallons have been distributed
in one week for bug disinfestation.
During the year 302 cases of verminous premises have been
dealt with, and approximately 100 gallons of insecticide used in the
course of disinfestation of premises.
(Note by Medical Officer of Health .)
The methods employed for ensuring that the belongings of
tenants are free from vermin before removal to Council houses was
described in detail in the contribution made by your Housing
Manager on page 36 of the Annual Report for 1935.
A report on the action taken during 1936 by the Housing
Manager in respect of the eradication of bugs in Council houses is
included in his report under Section D.
Tents, Vans, Sheds, etc.—It is gratifying to note that on
the site of one area cleared of van dwellers a number of nice houses
have been built, giving the area a totally different aspect, which
reflects credit on all concerned.