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
Barnet 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barnet]
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| Properties other than Sewers | Type of Property | |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Agricultural | Agricultural | |
| Number of properties in the district | 119,711 | 40 |
| 2. (a) Total number of properties (including nearby premises) inspected following notification | 2,222 | 3 |
| (b) Number infested by | ||
| (i) Rats | 1,185 | 1 |
| (ii) Mice | 843 | — |
| 3. (a) Total number of properties inspected for rats and/or mice for reasons other than notification | 524 | 23 |
| (b) Number infested by | ||
| (i) Rats | 31 | — |
| (ii) Mice | 11 | - |
The Rodent Operatives made 12,048 visits during the year.
DISINFECTION AND DISINFESTATION
Facilities for steam disinfection and disinfestation and for the personal cleansing
of verminous persons are provided at the Disinfecting Station, North Circular Road, N.3.
The requests for advice and assistance in dealing with insect pests continue to
increase in number and range over a wide variety. Many of these insects are of no public
health significance, but steps are taken to assist all enquiries. One must again express
thanks to the Director of the Department of Entomology of the Natural History Museum for
the helpful co-operation of his experts in the identification of numerous insects.
Because of complaints from some residents in regard to damage etc. caused by the
common squirrel invading roof spaces, the Council hire out traps on request for which a
fee of £1.25 per fortnight is charged. During the year 87 such requests were received.
"Wild" or "Feral" Pigeons are a widespread pest and continue to cause nuisance.
A Special Contractor has again been employed to reduce the numbers of pigeons at
several major centres of infestation in the Borough, but their work continues to be
impaired by the well meant but misplaced kindness of people who regularly provide food
at all seasons.
A charge is made for disinfection and disinfestation with the exception of terminal
disinfection carried out after a notifiable disease, and the cleansing of verminous people.
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