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The inhabitants of the Borough are beginning to realise the
value of notifying the Council of rodent infestation and of the
prompt attention and treatment given by the Rodent Control
staff.
As the result of the intensive rodent control treatment
carried out in Camberwell, no centres of major infestation exist
at present. Minor infestations, however, are to be found throughout
the Borough. It is impossible to eradicate these as they are
being constantly replenished from underground sources such as
defective drains and sewers, but the continuous action taken by
the Public Health Department prevents them from becoming
major infestations.
Particular attention has been given to the rat- and miceproofing
of factories, especially those where food is prepared.
It is worthy of note that the rodent control staff handle
highly dangerous poisons, such as arsenic, zinc phosphide, etc.,
but such care and control is exercised that no claim has ever had
to be met by the Council for damage due to the accidental consumption
of such poisons by domestic pets.
The following reports for the nine months from the 31st
March (i.e. the date of operation of the Prevention of Damage
by Pests Act, 1949) to the 31st December, 1950, and for the
twelve months from the 1st January to the 31st December, 1951,
were submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
They present a picture of the conditions which existed and serve
as a guide for subsequent action.