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Report of the Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector,
E.R.H. Hodge, M.R.S.H., M.P.H.I.A,
RODENT CONTROL, DISINFECTION AND PISINFESTATION SECTION
The work of the Section varies only slightly from year to year and 1959 is no
exception. It is pleasing to be able to report that the number of complaints regarding rats
dropped slightly, and the operational visits show a drop of over 1000. Incidentally the
Section was handicapped by the absence because of sickness, for about l6 weeks, of Mr. Stone,
the Rodent Officer.
Due to the warm weather of 1959, the number of operational visits for disinfestation
purposes rose sharply, indicating that bed bugs at least had not yet been eliminated. Beetle
infestations as opposed to cockroach infestations, continue to be a nuisance, especially in
the South of the Borough, where the damp sub-soil seems to be an ideal breading ground.
It must be pointed out that new buildings can, and will be, infested by these beetles
and if once established they will become difficult to eradicate.
The number of drain tests and notices compare favourably with 1958. The following
table (with figures for 1958 indicated (-)) shows the respective totals for the year:-
Drain Tests carried out 577 (536)
Premises reported to Health Committee
under Public Health Act, 1936, Section 24
(for repair of sewers) 89 (186)
Premises reported to Health Committee
under West Ham Corporation Act 1893, Section
41 (for repair of drains) 191 (199)
With reference to the Section 41 notices, it was only necessary to serve Statutory
Notices in 54 cases.