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
Hammersmith 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Hammersmith.
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RODENT CONTROL
Rat complaints showed a marked reduction this year, probably due to more effective control over the
sealing of disused drains on demolition sites. Mice complaints, however, have again increased, although the
percentage increase is reducing. The mouse problem would appear to affect the whole country, but is most
acute in urban areas.
At the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, a survey was carried out during the year
by the London Boroughs to ascertain just how great the problem is. Statistics from this survey will be available
next year.
If the mouse population is to be controlled, having regard to the lack of a fully effective poison, a more
concentrated form of control would appear to be required. It is possible that only the widespread use of block
control, coupled with a vigorous and intensive public relations campaign to reduce harbourage and improve
notification and treatment by occupiers themselves will succeed in stemming the increase in infestation by
mice.
The following table summarises the work of the Rodent Control Staff in 1972:-
| Type of Property | |
|---|---|
| Non-agricultural | |
| 1. Number of properties in district | 66,138 |
| 2. a) Total number of properties (including nearby premises) inspected following notification | 2,979 |
| b) Number infested by (i) rats (ii) mice | 545 2,434 |
| 3. a) Total number of properties inspected for rats and/or mice for reasons other than notification | 55 |
| b) Number infested by (i) rats (ii) mice | _ _ |
PIGEONS
Complaints with respect to pigeons continue at a more or less constant level and are actioned by a private
contractor employed by the Council, who provides a quick and effective service with the result that some
thousands of pigeons are removed from the neighbourhood each year. Despite this, however, due possibly to
topping up of the local flocks from other nearby areas where eradication measures are not actively pursued,
the numbers of pigeons in the area do not noticeably decrease.
Occasions still arise where misguided and often very zealous pigeon lovers encourage the birds to
congregate by providing large quantities of food. It is possible, with some of these people, to explain the extent
of the nuisance the birds cause and to prevail upon them to desist from feeding them, but this is not often the
case.
There is no doubt that the efforts made by the Council to lessen the nuisance caused are well worthwhile
and, although it is not possible to talk of eradicating pigeons from this particular area, they are at least kept
within reasonable limits and areas where specific nuisance is caused receive prompt and effective treatment.
B12