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59
A record is kept of the number of visits made by each ratcatcher, the
poisons used, and the results obtained.
The poisons used are those recommended by the Board of Agriculture and
Fisheries, viz., Rodine, barium, carbonate, phosphor paste, and extract of
squills. They are varied in order of use from time to time as there is a tendency
for the rats to become wary and avoid poisons which have just been successful
in destroying other vermin in the same house.
A considerable number of rats are found poisoned or caught alive in the
baited traps throughout the year. Valuable assistance is thus given to the ratepayers
generally, in clearing their premises of rats.
Protective clothing is issued (one suit of overalls every six months to each
man), and two pairs of rubber gloves per man per annum. Poisons and bait
are also provided.
In addition to the regular ratcatchers, the Council's sewermen are also
engaged from time to time in placing poisons in the manholes and side entrances
of the sewers, special attention to this work being given during the "National
Rat Week" held every year in November.
Notices, drawing the attention of the public to the matter, were inserted in
four local newspapers. Communications were sent to .12 local cinemas, requesting
that notices be displayed on the screen, drawing attention to National Rat
Week. Seventy-nine chemists and oilmen in the Borough were supplied with
copies of the Ministry's Form 264R.T. and Bulletin No. 30 and with bills "Rat
Poison Sold Here" and were requested to display the same in their shop
windows.
Rat poison, consisting of extract of squills, barium carbonate, phosphor
paste and Rodme, was placed in the sewer manholes and side entrances at 168
different positions. At 124 of these places the bait was entirely taken by the
rats, at 37 places it was partly taken, and only in 7 positions was it untouched.
Reports on Rat Destruction are made regularly to the Public Health Committee
and the following is the record of rat extermination carried out during
the year 1932:—
No. of premises visited 1,052
,, ,, visits 12,273
,, ,, dead rats found poisoned 406
* ,, ,, rats caught in our traps 2,406
,, ,, premises cleared of rats as reported by the occupiers 505
,, ,, new rat complaints during this period 570
*494 of these were actually brought into the depot and destroyed.
The poisons used were as follows:—
Rodine 20,553 cubes
Barium Carbonate 26,410 ,,
Phosphor Paste 18,126 ,,
Haller's extract of Squills .14,164 2 oz. portions