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87
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
I beg to submit the following report on the work carried out under
the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919, from October 25th to
December 31st, 1920.
During this period 72 premises were inspected upon complaints being
received that rats were prevalent, 251 re-inspections were made for the
purpose of laying poisoned bait and setting traps. This makes a total of
323 visits.
Traps.—Wire cage traps were selected and used in nine premises with
a result that 19 rats were caught. The occupiers of two premises had
break-back traps in use, these proved very successful, 16 rats being
caught. Lithographic varnish traps were laid in four premises but were
not very successful, only one rat being caught.
Poisons.—Londovos, a proprietary article manufactured by the
Chemical Hygienic Co. was used. This was laid in 58 premises, in all
cases the bait was taken. In five cases, after two or three visits the rats
had been cleared from the premises. The remaining 53 showed a very
marked improvement.
A gas generator was used on six premises but no appreciable results
were obtained, one rat only being destroyed by this method.
In eight cases the cause of rats infesting the premises was traced to
defects either in the house drain or connections to the sewer. When
these defects were remedied the premises were found to be clear of rats.
Evidence shows that the public are aware that the Hats and Mice
(Destruction) Act, 1919, lays an obligation upon them, to destroy the
rodents which may infest their premises. It is hoped that good results
will ensue from the Act.