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(d) increasing demands on the time of the rodent control staff as complaints
increase means that less attention can be paid to each individual job, with
less chance of complete success;
(e) redevelopment work in certain areas had dispersed mice from the demolished
properties;
(f) fewer cats appear to be kept as pets;
(g) the reduction of the rat population has left the mice with less competition;
and
(h) the standard poison in use over the past five years has been Warfarin, a blood
anti-coagulant, and there is evidence to suggest that a strain of mice is
developing which is resistant to Warfarin.
Extensive research has been undertaken concerning the source of the mice
complaints over the past few years and whilst it is found that each ward is affected to some
extent, it is also clear that certain streets in each ward are principal reservoirs of mouse
infestation. It is possible by plotting the complaints received on a map to find those areas in
the borough where the majority of complaints originate. If comprehensive treatments could
be undertaken in these worst affected areas the officers are of the opinion that the pressure
on the staff visiting the premises on complaints would be substantially reduced.
The problem has been discussed with officers of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food and they share the view that the most satisfactory method of dealing
with this matter is to retain the existing staff on visiting complaints and form, in addition, a
special squad of men to carry out area treatments where infestations are at their heaviest.
The Council have authorised the employment of one extra rodent control officer
and also the purchase of a new van, properly fitted out, so that it may be used as a mobile
supply base for the treatment of some of the worst areas in the borough. Delivery of the van
is expected in the first half of 1972.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food requested a report for the twelve
months ended 31st December, 1971, as follows: —
Treatment of premises (rats and mice)
Number of properties in the borough 75,310
Total number of properties inspected following notification 4,063
Number infested by rats 63
Number infested by mice 2,632
Total number of properties inspected for rats and/or
mice for reasons other than notification 1,325
Number infested by rats 3
Number infested by mice 163
Generally
The rodent staff, in addition, deal with infestations from pests other than rats and
mice, and the following is a summary of action taken during the year in respect of all forms
of infestation:—
Premises inspected following complaints 4,593
Premises where rats were found 66
Premises where mice were found 2,795
Premises where other vermin were found 425
Number of visits made 22,591
Number of successful treatments 2,533
Cases in which advice only was given 499
Borough Council properties dealt with
(excluding dwelling houses) 202