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
Chelsea 1958
Annual report of the Medical Officer of Health for the year 1958
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-45-
RODENT CONTROL
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, which became
operative on 31st March, 1950, is more advantageous to a local
authority in dealing with rodents than the Rats and Mice Destruction
Act, 1919, which was repealed,, The new Act empowers a local
authority to take all practicable measures to rid its area of rats
and mice. Under the provisions of the Rats and Mice Destruction
Act, 1919, the primary duty for the eradication of these particular
pests rested upon the individual occupier, whereas, with the
present legislation an occupier is guilty of an offence if he fails to
destroy rodents, or use his best endeavours to prevent infestation.
There has always been co-operative action between owners,
ocoupiers and the local authority in this Borough.
Details of work carried out in this connection during the year
are as follows:-
1. Treatment of Business and Private Premises.
| Business Premises | Private Premises | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of visits 305 | 2,869 | ||
| Number of infestations found 46 | 265 | ||
| Number of treatments undertaken 34 | 256 | ||
| Number of pre-baits laid | 2,046 | ||
| Number of poison baits laid | 664 | ||
| Number of complaints received | 317 | ||
2. Sewer Maintenance Treatments.
| No. of prebaits laid | No. of poison baits laid |
|---|---|
| No. 1 Treatment 1,264 | 400 |
| No. 2 Treatment 1,064 | 254 |