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In conjunction with the work of the operatives, the Sanitary Inspectors following
up complaints, instigated 382 drain tests, resulting in the repair or relaying of 49
drainage systems, comprised of 138 properties.
During the year it was found necessary to serve 15 intimation notices under
Section 4 of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949-
The work of the Section has been made somewhat easier as the policy on drainage
repairs, established some five years ago, is bearing fruit. It will be some years yet
before the majority of the defective drainage systems are located and repaired, but it
is felt that as this work continues, the problem of rodent control will be lessened
considerably, until a basic inescapable minimum is reached.
With regard to bed bug infestation, the numbers do not show the reduction hoped
for following the use of the chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides, but as slum clearance
is proceeded with, a reduction will be noticed in the number of properties dealt
with by this department. It is felt, however, that the number of properties dealt with
by the staff of the Estates Branch of the Borough Engineer's Department will show an
increase, as at present no compulsory treatment is carried out to the goods and
chattels of the persons displaced, only a warning given, if evidence is noticed when
accommodation is offered, that they will be responsible should any bugs be found in
the new premises, and that they would be advised to avail themselves of the services
of the Estates Branch to have their furniture disinfested on removal.
Tribute must be paid to the Rodent Control Officer for the experimental work
carried out by him personally to improve the technique of disinfesting premises, by
which it is felt the efficiency of the Section will be improved and the ultimate cost
to the Council reduced.

Resulting from the above investigational visits, 805 premises were found to be
infested with rats, and 692 infested with mice.
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