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12. Number of Business Agreements dealt with : 106.
13. Members of the Rodent Staff assisted in the operation of smoke machine in respect
of 178 drainage tests carried out by Sanitary Inspectors.
* Includes the baiting of manholes for sewer maintenance treatments 17/18.
NOTE :—For the purpose of completing Sections 2, 3, 4 and 7, each property is entered once
only in respect of inspections, infestations and treatments.
As provided for under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, all
domestic premises are treated free of any charge. A charge, however, has to be
made in respect of business premises. A variation in the charge was made in April
of this year, when an inclusive charge of 9s. Od. per hour became effective, and
this arrangement has so far proved satisfactory. In the event of the treatment
costing less than the amount assessed, a refund is made to the responsible person,
but should it be necessary to extend the treatment beyond the cost allowed, a further
assessment and charge are made in order that the work may be completed.
As indicated in the above table, the percentage of ship rat infestations was
0.976% of the total infested premises found.
Difficult cases continue to be met, and it is only by persistent efforts and patience
that these are brought to a satisfactory conclusion. In the case of one requisitioned
property, rats infested the first storey intermittently over a period of some years.
Drains were relaid or repaired on adjoining property and a number of smoke tests
were applied to the drain of this particular house, but with negative results. It
finally became necessary for the Council to open up the ground and expose the
outlet drain, which was relaid upon being found defective. No further complaints
have been received, and no takes were recorded upon the premises being post-baited.