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PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT. 1949:
RODENT CONTROL:
The control of both rats and mice within the Borough of Finsbury
has, over the years, been a major problem and only by continuous
inspections and treatments has it been possible to clear or reduce
infestations to a minimum.
Rattus Norvegious, or Common rat, has been the chief source of
trouble in the residential areas and experience proved that defective
drainage was responsible for many infestations In these cases repair
has been promptly carried out.
Rattus rattus, or Ship rat gained a substantial hold in the
industrial part of the Borough where, during and shortly after the war
it found ideal living conditions in the older type of buildings,
especially those with wooden floors. One of the chief difficulties
met was to persuade the several occupiers of any one premise to admit
the presence of rats and to join in a Block scheme. Whilst powers are
given under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to compel, it
was considered advisable to adopt persuasive measures
The Council, already employing a Rodent Officer, foreman and six
rodent operatives, was able to offer the occupiers of infested premises
a service with a view to destroying the rats and mice On 11th March
1957 an Assistant Rodent Officer was appointed and his chief duty was
to carry out a complete survey and inspection of all business premises
throughout the Borough of Finsbury This block by block inspection
proved most effective and an astonishing number of infestation of both
rats and mice were found, and in many instances the Council were
requested to carry out the work of disinfestation. Each treatment was
maintained for at least three months and such poisons as Zinc phosphide
and Arsenious Oxide were used, followed by semi permanent baits of
Warfarin ; and it is fair to comment that the general infestation is
now at comparatively low level Following initial treatment of
premises, the occupiers in many instances have requested that a
continuous service be given as a preventive measure This is arranged
and a charge of 8/ per hour mane
It is a recognised fact that rats in sewers are a serious menace
not only from a disease and pest point of view, but for the amount of
damage they cause to the sewer system and surrounding earth works
after breaking out„
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