London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Lewisham 1947

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Lewisham Borough]

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Table: RODENT CONTROLThe block control scheme which was commenced on 5 July 1946 under the direction of the senior sanitary inspector was completed on 19 April 1947. A summary of the work done is as follows:—

RODENT CONTROL

The block control scheme which was commenced on 5 July 1946 under the direction of the senior sanitary inspector was completed on 19 April 1947. A summary of the work done is as follows:—

Block No. and areaTotal No. of primary visitsMajor infestations foundEstimated No. of rats killed at primary baiting
Dwelling-housesBusiness premises
1. Lower Sydenham4,397741,317
2. Parts of Sydenham and Forest Hill3,6561712,128
3. Forest Hill5,5921041,454
4. Honor Oak Park2,24611208
5. Ladywell and Brockley3,646341,081
6. Lewisham Village3,0931381,410
7. Hither Green3,855101763
8. Catford3,1151121,116
9. North Downham3,9011151,319
10. Bellingham3,8381031,164
11. Downham4,58232415
12. Grove Park and Lee3,29012-1,121
13. Part of Lee and Blackheath3,8811451,309
Totals49,0921224014,805

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Retreatments and post baiting
Where premises were baited and the greater 1part of the bait was
taken retreatment was automatically carried out after an interval of
two or three weeks. In this way 540 premises were dealt with, of
which 309 were in fact found to be free from infestation, and 709 rats
were destroyed. At premises where there had been rat infestation,
the work of post baiting was subsequently carried out, that is to say
a test bait was laid and if this was taken the premises were retreated.
In this way, 1,091 premises were dealt with, of which 708 were found
to be free from infestation, 311 treatments were carried out and 1,053
rats were destroyed.