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1933]
66
In another case where rats were prevalent in a house, they were found after
diligent search to have gained access through a channel under the footings where
the gas pipe entered the premises. When this channel was stopped the menace
ceased.
A frequent means of access to premises is through perished and broken
gratings provided for under floor ventilation and so to burrow and nest under
hearths or behind stoves.
Re-drainage often results in a few rats being cut off from means of return to
the sewer, and many weeks often elapse before the stragglers are either poisoned
or caught.
The following simple device is often of great assistance in discovering the
source of rat infestation, and also of avoiding unnecessary damage to property,
inconvenience to the occupiers, and expense to the owners. A reel of black thread
is secured to a floor joist by means of a wire nail so that it easily spins round. A
small piece of bread with a little beef dripping on it is then tied to the loose end of
the thread and laid on the ground under a loose board. If rats are present they
invariably take the bait and carry it to their rendezvous or as far as they can in
that direction. The thread is then easily traced and the problem dealt with.
As stated, this report from one district is given as fairly typical of the work
done.
Another instance of the problem which has to be faced in tracing where rats
come from is instanced in a report from another district. This district borders on
our outer boundary, and the intimation came from the Borough Surveyor of the
adjoining Borough. An inspection was made of the shop premises, and under the
shop floors, public footway and cellars, several rat runs were observed. One of
the cellars was used as a furniture store, and great damage had been done to the
stock. One of the shops was used a a draper's shop, but nothing was stored
below ground, and here no damage had been caused. A notice was served on the
owners and the surveyor of the property met the Inspector on the premises. The
drain was tested, and a strong result obtained in the cellar of the draper's shop and
on the public footway opposite. There was combined drainage with the next
premises, and had a manhole and interceptor in the footway. Upon opening the
manhole, the cap of the interceptor was found to be out and also there was a defect
in the brickwork, giving free access to the premises. These defects were remedied
and the main drain was renewed by an iron pipe with a new manhole with an
interceptor on the premises in the cellar. The old brick manhole and interceptor
were removed. The cellars were bricked and concreted where necessary—result,
no further rats.