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The inspection and treatment of sewers was undertaken in collaboration
with the Borough Surveyor. Ten per cent. of the total
manholes in the whole sewer system were test baited, and maintenance
treatment was carried out in these, and other manholes known to be
infested, four times during the year. During 1968, 878 manholes were
baited and only 68 showed evidence of rodent infestation.
The Department continued to deal with rodent treatment and
disinfestation work in Council-owned property within the Borough.
Other Pest Control Work.
During the year 1968, 436 complaints were received concerning
insect pests and the following is a list of the infestations dealt with:—
Ants 41
Bees 61
Beetles 30
Bedbugs 25
Caterpillars 2
Cockroaches 19
Fleas 75
Flies 12
Lice 1
Maggots 10
Mealworms 1
Mites 4
Mosquitoes 8
Silverfish 6
Slugs 5
Wasps 132
Woodlice 1
Worms 3
Where possible practical help is given by the carrying out of
disinfestation work, but in certain cases reference is made to contractors
who specialise in control work.
The incidence of wasps was lower than in previous years. No
charge is made for the destruction of nests, but this work can only be
undertaken when the nest is readily accessible. If the number of
requests for assistance exceeds our capabilities, householders are
advised as to the best, and safest, methods of destruction.
Ponds, ditches and other mosquito breeding grounds were sprayed
with insecticide as found necessary, with satisfactory results.
Sixty complaints of nuisance or damage by ferral pigeons were
received. Pigeon traps were placed on suitable sites, giving effect to
a reduction in the number of birds. The situation regarding the
positive reduction in the number of pigeons is still very unsatisfactory
but, nevertheless, upwards of 200 birds and a number of eggs were
destroyed as the result of action by the Department.
Pet Animals Act, 1951.
Twelve licences to keep Pet Shops were issued during 1968.
Eighteen visits were made to these premises to ensure compliance
with the conditions attached to the licences.
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