London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kensington and Chelsea 1972
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kensington & Chelsea Borough]
This page requires JavaScript
44
(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 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.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food reuqested a report for the twelve months ended 31st December, as follows:
| Number of properties in the borough | 76,805 |
| Total number of properties inspected following notification | 3,655 |
| Number infested by rats | .........99 |
| Number infested by mice | 2,628 |
| Total number of properties inspected for rats and/or mice for reasons other than notification | 1,882 |
| Number infested by rats...................................................................... | 1 |
| Number infested by mice | 146 |
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 | 5,779 |
| Premises where rats were found | 100 |
| Premises where mice were found | 2,774 |
| Premises where other vermin were found | 243 |
| Number of visits made | 17,574 |
| Number of successful treatments | 2,385 |
| Cases in which advice only was given | 595 |
| Borough Council properties dealt with (excluding dwelling houses) | 241 |