London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bromley 1970
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bromley]
This page requires JavaScript
106
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949—
RODENT CONTROL
Surface Infestations
The number of complaints of rat infestation received remains
approximately at the same level as the last few years. In the case
of complaints of mice, however, this year's figures show an increase
of 38 per cent over those for 1969. From consultations with other
local authorities in London it has been ascertained that the increase
in mice infestations is fairly general and the consensus of opinion
is that it is due to the infestation of new buildings of the terrace
type, during the course of erection, where no precautions are
taken to prevent access to cavity walls and ducts.
Sewers
The practice of treating the sewerage system with poison bait
twice yearly continues, also the test-baiting in the spring which
reveals the level of infestation.
This level has never been high and for the year under review there was a noticeable reduction in the number of "takes".
| Properties other than sewers | Type of Property | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Agricultural | Agricultural | ||
| 1. Number of properties in district | 122,388 | 323 | |
| 2. (a) | Total number of properties (including nearby premises) inspected following notification | 6,202 | 10 |
| (b) | Number infested by (0 Rats | 2,059 | 7 |
| (ii) Mice | 363 | 3 | |
| 3. (a) | Total number of properties inspected for rats and/or mice for reasons other than notification | 28 | 52 |
| (b) | Number infested by (i) Rats | 2 | 2 |
| (ii) Mice | — | — | |