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
Kensington 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington Borough]
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13
On two occasions during the year all the sewers in the
borough were treated with poison bait, and it was estimated that in
the first treatment 4,764 rats were destroyed; and in the second
4,138 rats were killed.
Sewer-baiting is usually carried out in January and June
each year, and steps are taken to ensure that this work coincides
with similar treatments carried out by neighbouring boroughs.
This work has been going on for some years and the figures of the estimated destruction of rats for the past five years are as follows:-
| Year | Estimated number of rats killed | |
|---|---|---|
| First treatment | Second treatment | |
| 1952 | 5,982 | 4,133 |
| 1953 | 5,458 | 4,312 |
| 1954 | 4,142 | 4,667 |
| 1955 | 4,515 | 3,430 |
| 1956 | 4,764 | 4,138 |
The rodent staff deal with infestations from pests other than rats and mice, and the following is a summary of all action taken during the year:-0
| Complaints investigated | 1,300 |
| Premises inspected following complaints | 1,373 |
| Premises where rats were found | 338 |
| Premises where mice were found | 699 |
| Premises where other vermin were found | 172 |
| Premises where no infestation existed | 164 |
| Number of visits made | 7,327 |
| Number of notices served | 17 |
| Premises successfully treated | 1,208 |
| Cases in which advice only was given | 48 |
| Borough Council properties dealt with | 83 |
Destruction of Pigeons
In order to deal with the nuisance and damage occasioned
by the activities of wild pigeons, the Council have for many years
authorised a pigeon-catcher to catch pigeons on the highway and
other public places. This arrangement did not prove satisfactory
during 1956, and, in view of the number of complaints received,
further consideration was given to the steps to be taken to remedy
the nuisance.
It was decided to provide special cage traps, so constructed
to allow the pigeons to enter but not to leave. Pood and water can
be provided in the cages to attract the birds, and members of the staff
of the public health department visit the traps either early in the
morning or late evening, to destroy those caught.
These special measures were put into operation early in
1957.
Pharmacy and Poisons Act, 1935
At the end of the year the number of sellers of Part II
Poisons (other than registered pharmacists) on the list maintained
by the Council was one hundred and twenty-nine. Of this number,
three were new registrations during the year.
Three samples of poisons were taken during the year and
were found to comply with legal standards.