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28.
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION.
The obligations of the Council under the Prevention of Damage by
Pests Act, 1949, have been fully met. The work of rats and mice
destruction continues on a well organised basis, providing a free
service to householders and making appropriate charges in the case of
business premises, many of which are on annual service agreements.
The Council depots, sewage disposal works, refuse tip, piggeries
and open spaces have received constant attention.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Pood require as one
of their conditions of 'Grant' that the soil sewer system shall be
subjected to an annual 10% test baiting and any infestation found
subjected to initial and maintenance treatments. 292 sewer manholes
were test baited and in only one section of the system was it necessary
for initial and maintenance treatment to be carried out.
Constant liaison is maintained with officers of the infestation
division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I have
always found them most helpful and co-operative. Workable Area Committee
meetings are held from time to time at which difficulties and new methods
of rodent control are discussed.
INSECT PESTS.
As in previous years the department was able to be of assistance
by giving advice and help to members of the public who suffered
inconvenience from insect pests.
The carpet beetle, clover mite and ant proved to be most
troublesome. Only four rooms were treated for infestations of bugs.
Sixteen council houses were inspected for evidence of vermin.
Requests were received from a number of householders for
assistance in the destruction of wasps nests. Some nests were destroyed
and other requests were declined where the nests were found to be in
positions not causing real inconvenience.
By arrangement with the Surrey County Council six school kitchens
and canteens were sprayed with a residual insecticide as a deterrent
against insect infestation.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Under the provisions of Section 50 of the National Assistance
Act, 1948, it was not necfessary during the year to arrange any burials.
CARAVANS.
There are no caravan sites in the Borough. Licences were
granted to station two moveable dwellings in the area.