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Solutions of D.D.T. in Kerosene are used for dealing with infestations
by bedbugs and are usually applied in spray form to the walls,
ceilings and woodwork of the infested rooms. It is becoming a rare
occurence to give more than one course of treatment to eradicate
bedbugs.
D.D.T. powders prove very effective in dealing with ants and
cockroaches and much practical help and advice has been extended
to householders who have found their premises infested with these
pests.
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949.
The rodent section of the staff have done much useful work
during the year in eradicating rats and mice from premises and foul
sewers.
A total of 3492 visits were made to Dwellings and Business
premises throughout the year.
221 complaints of infestation by rats or mice were received from
occupiers of premises, and inspection and investigation revealed rat
infestation at 189 premises, and mice infestation at 63 premises. By
the end of the year infestations had been cleared at 244 of these
premises.
Treatment of the foul sewers was carried out on two occasions
a total of 1619 visits being made for this purpose in connection with
inspection, baiting, poisoning and checking results.
In all 1473 manholes were dealt with and of this number 118
were found to be infested and were baited and poisoned.
The takes of poison baits in the infested manholes were good
and the results obtained at both sewer treatments were very satisfactory.
SMOKE ABATEMENT.
Richmond, being residential in character, has few large works
or Factories and has little trouble with smoke nuisances from industrial
chimneys.
Five complaints of a minor character, were received during the
year and 9 observations for excess smoke were made. Interviews with
managers and advice to stokers, in those cases where the complaints
were justified, resulted in improved conditions.