View report page

15
Rat Infestation.
During the year 731 infestations have been dealt with. Of
these 676 were Brown (common) rat, 39 Black (ship) rat and 16
mice infestations. Of the premises affected 483 wens dwellinghouses,
100 food premises and 148 other industrial premises. In
662 cases baiting was carried out, in 43 trapping or ferr ting was
r sorted to and in the remaining 26 cases advice only was given.
In 69 instances defective drainage was found to be the source of
the trouble, and these were dealt with by the Sanitary Inspectors.
The sewers throughout the borough were baited by the Borough
Engineer's staff during June and December.
Although the numbers of infestations have increased slightly
over last year, this does not mean that the general situation has
deteriorated; on the contrary, there have been no " major"
infestations and a very large number of the minor infestations
have been cases of stray rats. This is only to be expected having
regard to the large amount of demolition and rebuilding of derelict
properties that has gone on throughout the year. The black
(ship) rats are still confined to the northern end of the borough,
although the area affected now extends to Lambeth Walk. This
rat is not such a gross feeder as the brown rat, nor are its habits
so fixed, and, in consequence, the system of pre-baiting used in
dealing with the brown rat is not so effective in the case of the
black rat, and it is often necessary to combine baiting with trapping.
The amount of structural damage caused by this rat is usually so
slight and his habits so different from those of the brown rat.
that his presence is often unsuspected for a considerable time. His
climbing abilities are so great that he is able to travel from one
building to another—often through the roof space—with great
rapidity and with little trace. It is probable that with the decrease
in numbers of the brown rat, infestations of black rats may
increase.
Baiting for mice has been carried out where there are large
numbers in industrial properties, but so far as house infestations
are concerned the most suitable and effective method is to trap,
now that there is a good supply of cheap and efficient traps on
sale.
The whole of the baiting has been carried out by one operative,
and the results achieved are entirely due to the exceptional ability
and energy with which the rodent officer and the operative work
together as a team. The Borough Engineer's sewer staff carry
out a considerable amount of work in examining drainage and
sewerage and remedying defects found, and this is of great help
in putting defects right without delay.