View report page

40
Arising out of an inspection of a baker's shop it was found that the premises
were heavily infested by rats. 36 baits were laid, complete takes of bait and poison
being obtained.
Subsequent post-baiting proved that the infestation was cleared by this single
treatment, which is an unusual result considering that in this case the premises
were infested by ship rats. Further test-baiting was carried out by representatives
of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries which substantiated the fact that the
treatment was successful.
The firm in question was, however, summoned under Section 3 of the Prevention
of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, for failing to give notice on two separate occasions
that the premises were rat infested. The Defendant was fined £2 and the Council
awarded £2 2s. costs on each of the two summonses. Legal proceedings were also
instituted against this Company under the Food and Drugs Act, 1938, details of
which are given on page 45.
The fact that it is often difficult to trace the source of access to premises by rats
is borne out by the experience tl at the Rodent Control Section had at one particular
house, where it was necessary for 87 visits to be paid over a total period of some years,
and for at least 3 smoke tests to be applied to the drain in order to find the source.
Fventually a defective drain was found in the front of the premises, and upon this
being repaired, no further trouble has occurred.
In another case, a heavy infestation of rats was dealt with in 1948 when a
defective drain was relaid. No further trouble was experienced until this year when
upon a complaint being received, poison bait was laid as a result of which 131 rats
were removed from under the floor by the Rodent Operator. It was eventually
found that the disused gully branch connected to the sewer had not been sealed.
After the sealing of this opening, no further trouble was experienced.
Sewer Treatments.
Treatments in respect of the Council's sewers were carried out on two occasions
during the year, and in this connection the co-operation of the Borough Engineer
and his staff was appreciated.