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Rodent control
A section, consisting from May to September of a foreman and
three operatives and from October to April of the foreman and five
operatives, is maintained for the purpose of repressing rat infestation,
and this section is supervised by the senior public health inspector.
In his report on rodent control work during 1959, Mr. Walker, the
senior public health inspector, states
" All the infestations were of a minor character and were mainly
dealt with by the laying of poison bait. Infestations were again in
evidence on the banks of the various rivers aind ditches in the borough
and there has been an increase in the number dealt with, particularly
in the Ravensbourne. In this connection there should be an improvement
when the scheme for the Couinty Council taking responsibility for
cleansing and clearing the Ravensbourne and its tributaries comes into
force. Our work in the past has been made increasingly difficult owing
to the amount of rubbish deposited, and to the growth of weeds and
scrub which has favoured conditions for the shelter and growth of the
rat population."
The undermentioned table gives a summary of the work on the rivers
and ditches, prebait being laid on 3/4 days:—