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47
PART IV
DISINFESTATION.
Bed-bugs.
D. D. T. continues to give good results in combating the bed-bug.
During the year 268 houses were treated for bugs, when 591 rooms
were sprayed.
In addition to spraying the rooms, the bedding was removed
to the Corporation's Cleansing and Disinfecting Station, where it
was treated in the steam disinfector.
As a precaution against the infestation of houses let by the
Council, complete disinfestation of the new tenants' belongings is
carried out before they move in. To accomplish this, the Council
arrange all removals. By co-operation with the Metropolitan
Borough of Hackney the removal van, with contents, is treated in a
cyanide chamber at the Hackney Cleansing Station, the tenant being
warned not to pack any foodstuffs in the van. The bedding and
soft furnishings are treated in the steam disinfector at our Markfield
Road Station. In this way the tenants are assured of a clean start
in their new homes.
So that mild infestations should not be overlooked and to avoid
any feeling of stigma which might be attached were only verminous
cases to be treated, a rule is made that the belongings of all new
tenants must be subjected to this disinfestation treatment.
Fleas.
Complaints are occasionally received of flea infestations. It has
been found that a thorough clean-up by the tenant, followed by
treatment with D.D.T. effectively eradicates this pest.
Flies.
Publicity has been given to the disease carrying capacity of
the house-fly and every opportunity is taken by the department to
emphasise the great need for the regular removal and proper
covering of all refuse and other likely breeding grounds for flies.