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When infestation unfortunately occurs certain methods can be
applied which ultimately prove successful provided they are directed
intelligently, and of the various methods, the most reliable is
cleanliness, which will also prevent infestation. The co-operation
of the householders with the officers of the Public Health Department
in this matter is, therefore of paramount importance.
At the present time all Local Authorities are attaching
considerable importance to this problem and many methods for the
destruction and prevention of the bed bug are being tried out. It
is reported that the most effective treatment is by the application of
HCN. fumigation (hydrocyanic gas). This method is howeverfraught
with serious difficulties and danger to life. The Ministry of
Health recommend that at least 24 hours should be allowed as the
minimum time for the ventilation of the premises after HCN.
fumigation. This means considerable extra cost in view of the fact
that alternative accommodation for the tenants for 36 hours must
be found and paid for, and also it is necessary to vacate the tenants
of adjoining houses on either side of the infected premises for a
period up to 24 hours, a precaution that is both inconvenient and
expensive in the way of compensation.
Another disadvantage in the case of HCN. gas is that its
smell, although characteristic, is neither strong or irritating and it
is difficult to judge whether it is present in a dangerous amount.
The business of a pronounced warning introduces a special element
of danger and necessitates the importance of stringent precautions.
It is obvious that the use of any method where tenants are
required to vacate premises for a lengthy period causes serious
inconvenience.
The same position arises when wooden fittings have to be
removed, walls stripped and methods involving second and sometimes
third applications have to be carried out.