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55
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 3,899 investigations were made and infestation
found to exist at 390 dwelling houses, 50 places of business
and 17 at miscellaneous premises. There were 34 major infestations
at business premises, caused by the common rat. Periodic treatments
were carried out at 10 industrial premises. Throughout
the year there were 10 instances only of re-infestation in private
dwelling houses after treatment and this low figure reflects credit
on the staff carrying out these duties.
The monthly average of complaints received was 48 as compared
with 37 last year. This increase is explained by the fact that there
appears to be a greater readiness on the part of householders to
report infestations and to seek advice.
Every effort is made to trace the source of infestation in each
case and 28 defective drainage systems were discovered. Intimation
Notices were served under the Public Health (London) Act,
1936, and the drainage defects made good by the owners of the
properties.
Block treatments were carried out in 22 small areas involving
451 premises. Bombed sites and dumps were test baited but in
only 2 cases was it found necessary to carry out treatment.
The Blue Cross Kennels, Shooter's Hill Road, were again given
2 treatments with excellent results. A small section of old wooden
kennels still remain and until this is replaced by brick-built kennels
with concrete runs, re-infestation is always possible.
Frequent calls were made on the services of the Borough
Engineer's staff to open up paving to trace the source of infestation
and this service was readily available.
Owners and occupiers still continue to take advantage of the
Rodent Control Service: only rarely are rats discovered during
routine investigation.
The Rodent Control personnel have performed their duties
with diligence throughout the year and have given the Department
good service.