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
Greenwich 1948
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Greenwich Borough]
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37
(4) Unit Construction Company.—This company is engaged
in the erection of a large housing estate in the Kidbrooke area for
the London County Council, and have erected hutments for use as
store-rooms and mess-rooms for the workmen. Rat infestation
occurred at each of these sites and regular treatments were given.
The infestation was fairly extensive and was caused by field rats.
The housing scheme is nearing completion and arrangements have
been made with the management for a month's notice to be given to
this department before the hutments are demolished so that final
treatment can be effectively carried out and thus prevent serious
infestation in the area.
An infestation at the Delta Metal Works was of a minor
character and was dealt with successfully.
Baiting of Sewers.—The Borough Engineer has kindly supplied me with the undermentioned information of the treatments carried out in the Council's sewers in connection with the scheme:—
| Details | Date of Treatment | |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd to 16th Dec., 1948 | 31st May to 12th June, 1948 | |
| 1. No. of Manholes in foul and connected systems | 1,157 | 1,157 |
| 2. Bait base and poison used | Sausage rusk and zinc phosphide | |
| 3. No. of Manholes baited | 877 | 936 |
| 4. No. of Manholes showing prebait takes | 463 | 540 |
| 5. No. of Manholes showing complete prebait take (on one or both days) | 332 | 312 |
| 6. Schemes of baiting used (e.g.; consecutive days of 1st, 3rd and 5th days) | Consecutive days | Consecutive days |
| 7. No. of Manholes test-baited in conjunction with this treatment and not included in No. 3 above | 24 | — |
| Two sections showed "no takes". | ||
| Two sections (106 manholes) showed 'takes' and were included in the December treatment. | ||
It may be mentioned that the neighbouring Boroughs of Woolwich
and Lewisham took action at the same time as Greenwich.