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48
RODENT CONTROL
General.—During the year the Rodent Control scheme, as approved
by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, has been continued.
A total of 2,316 investigations were made and infestations were
found to exist at 559 premises, 19 factories and warehouses, 8 shops,
5 hospitals and 7 bombed sites. There were 15 major infestations,
13 of them caused by the brown rat and 2 by the black rat.
Periodical treatments were carried out in each of these infestations
which occurred in large industrial premises. Throughout the year
there were 30 instances only of re-infestation after treatment.
The monthly average of complaints received was 46 as compared
with 49 last year.
Bombed sites and dumps have been test-baited but in only 7
instances was it found necessary to carry out treatment.
In 52 instances rat infestation was found to be due to defective
drainage; all of these were repaired after service of Intimation
Notices.
Block treatments were carried out in 24 small areas involving
423 premises.
Frequent calls have been made on the services of the Borough
Engineer's staff to open up paving to trace the source of infestation
and this service has been readily available.
The premises of Messrs. Robinson's Mills, Deptford Bridge,
have been receiving continuous treatment throughout the year and
over 1,000 rats have been recovered from traps used inside the
premises. Baiting and poisoning methods also have been used on
open sites nearby. The infestation in these Mills has been greatly
reduced by these methods. It is, however, possible that new
colonies of rats invade the property from time to time from the
lighters and elsewhere.
The Blue Cross Kennels, Shooter's Hill Road, were given three
treatments with excellent results, 54 bodies being picked up after the
first treatment. A large section of the old wooden kennels has
been demolished and is being replaced by brick built kennels with
concrete runs, thus eliminating all soft surroundings. Arrangements
were also made with the builder for poison treatments to be carried
out just prior to the demolition of sections of the wooden kennels to
prevent, as far as possible, the dispersal of rats to adjacent
properties. This arrangement has so far proved successful.
There is no doubt that the Rodent Control free service to