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It is pleasing to record that in the Borough bug infestations have become a
rarity, and activity in this sphere is now concerned more with the extermination of
other insects, notably dermestids, which are not necessarily associated with dirty
conditions,
NOISE NUISANCE. In the Middlesex County Council Act a noise nuisance is
deemed to exist 'where any person makes or continues or causes to be made or continued
any excessive or unreasonable or unnecessary noise which is injurious or
dangerous to health' . Further, it is a good defence for the person charged to show
'that he has used the best practicable means of preventing or mitigating the nuisanc
having regard to the cost and to other relevant circumstances'. Most complaints of
noise nuisance arise in connection with industrial processes carried on in factories
situated close to houses. From the above definition it will be seen that many factor
have to be taken into consideration in judging whether or not a noise is a nuisance
within the meaning of the Act, though there may be no doubt about the annoyance to
residents in the neighbourhood of the factory concerned.
During the year complaints of nuisance from noise were received in respect
of 15 premises. All but one were associated with factories or industrial premises.
In most cases there appeared to be some justification for the complaint and, with
the co-operation of the firms or persons concerned, the nuisance was either remedied
or some abatement secured,
RATS AND MICE DESTRUCTION, etc. The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
places the responsibility on the Council, 'to keep their area as far as practicable
free from rats and mice' and occupiers of premises are required to give notice when
they have knowledge that rats and mice are present in substantial numbers. It is
obligatory on the Council to recover the expenses reasonably incurred in taking
steps for the destruction of rats and mice on business premises, but permissive as
far as the cost of treating private dwellings is concerned. The Council has
decided to make no charge for the treatment of private dwelling-houses unless there
is failure on the part of the owner or occupier to co-operate in preventing infestation.

Test baiting and where necessary, treatment is carried out to sewers, watercourses
tips, etc. Destruction of part of the rat population by chemical or other
poisoning may increase the food supply and improve the chances of survival of the
remainder. Eradication requires environmental conditions whichhinder survival, i.e..
no food and no shelter and occupiers of premises should bear this in mind,
SHOPS ACT, 1950, SECTION 38. Shops require to be reasonably ventilated
heated and lighted, and there should be suitable and sufficient sanitary and washing
facilities for the persons employed therein. In this connection 24 inspections were
made during the year.
No certificate of exemption re provision of sanitary accommodation was granted,
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