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(22) So far as the City is concerned this trap, pending the discovery of something
better, has established for itself the right of a permanent place in rat repression. There
are one or two precautions to be observed. It has been noticed that if rats approach
the trap—which simply consists of lithographer's varnish of a certain consistency spread
on cardboard—along a track which is greasy, they are able to escape, as the varnish
does not seem to hold sufficiently. Similarly, excessive moisture, or sand which
adheres to the feet, is a disadvantage. In rooms which are exceedingly hot as, for
instance, those in which there is a boiler in which steam is kept up all night, or in
which a baker's oven is maintained at a high temperature, a varnish of greater
strength requires to be used instead of the one ordinarily recommended. As many as
five rats have been caught in one night on one card about 18 inches by 12 inches
superficial area, and the varnish seems to have sufficient holding power to hold rats of
the largest size. The rats are practically always found dead in the morning. It was
difficult at first to suggest the reason of death, but I think it is probable that most die
of suffocation as a consequence of the mouth and nostrils being closed with the varnish
when the rats attempt to free their limbs. Death in these circumstances must be
distinctly less painful than that which results either from the fumigation of a room or
from the ingestion of any of the irritant poisons.
(23) RAT-CATCHERS.—Rat-catchers often serve a useful purpose in the programme
of repression. Their method of working needs no extended reference, but there are
certain points in connection with the business which require notice. I consider that if
an organised attempt at rat repression is undertaken by a community it is desirable
that the rat-catchers should work in conjunction with local officers appointed for that
purpose. It is essential that the local officer should know the premises which require
the services of a rat-catcher. They should know what success has met his efforts, .and
the Authorities should be made acquainted with the means adopted for the disposal of
the captured rodents. Some form of control as well as a measure of co operation is
necessary, and registration of rat-catchers with the Local Authority seems the best