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17
RODENT CONTROL.
Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act, 1919.
Infestatation Order, 1943.
Rats.—The special scheme, commenced during 1946,
under which systematic enquiries over the whole Borough,
followed by baiting or other appropriate measures where
rat infestations were discovered, was completed by 30th
June, 1947.
The infestations discovered as a result of working the
scheme were all "sewer" (brown) rat type, and the
Borough is practically free from "ship" (black) rat. The
surface infestations, apart from Shepherds Bush Market,
were not widespread. It was not possible to trace the source
of all infestations, but undoubtedly many rose from the
sewers and drains. The keeping of poultry in back yards
and gardens was also found to result in rat infestations in
areas formerly free from rats.
In the case of Shepherds Bush Market area, the co-operation
of the Hammersmith and City Railway Joint Committee
was obtained and extensive baiting carried out. The
baiting of the market and adjoining areas was carried out
by the Council's operatives, whilst the railway rodent staff
laid baits on the railway. The cost of the work carried out
by the Council was reimbursed by the Railway Joint Committee.
Mice.—The mice infestations in private houses can
usually be dealt with by tenants without the Council's
assistance. Traps are loaned free of charge. Where the
Sanitary Inspector considers that assistance is required,
the services of the rodent operatives are utilised for laying
baits. &c. Baiting and trapping was carried out in several
commercial premises by the Council at the cost of the
occupiers.
General—A few firms in the Borough employ servicing
contractors to carry out regular control measures.