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12. Number of Business Agreements dealt with : 118.
13. Members of the Rodent Staff assisted in the application of smoke machine in respect
of 164 drainage tests carried out by Public Health Inspectors.
* Includes Sewer Maintenance Treatments 23 6? 24 (1,367 manholes).
NOTE :—For the purpose of completing Sections 2, 3, 4 and 7, each property is entered once
only in respect of inspections, infestations and treatment*.
It is the object of this Section to bring every case to a satisfactory conclusion.
Whilst the majority were disposed of without much trouble, patience and perseverance
were required in a number of instances. At one address, after numerous
visits had been paid, and several drain tests applied, it was found that two branch
drains were connected to the main drain between the interceptor and the sewer.
Since completion of the necessary repairs no further rat infestation has occurred.
In another case the lead pipe, between the soil pipe and the pedestal pan, had been
gnawed through by rats. The need to ensure that traps are kept sealed or the
drains sealed off was emphasized in another instance where the water had evaporated
in approximately twelve water closet traps in an unoccupied block of buildings, and
from which in every case there was definite evidence of rats emerging and entering
the premises. An unusual case occurred during the year where rats were emerging
at the bottom of a garden about 30 ft. from any known drain. With the co-operation
of the Borough Engineer's staff a defective sewer was found. At some time
previously a heavy brick wall had been built over the sewer, which in time had
collapsed under the weight, and allowed rats to escape. The sewer was repaired
and no further trouble has been experienced.
It is interesting to note that no infestation by ship rats were recorded during the
year.