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143
It has been found that defective drainage systems either on
the complainant's premises, or adjoining property, account
in many instances for rat infestation.
It has also been noted that frequently rat infestation is
associated with the keeping of animals (rabbits) or birds
(pigeons or fowls.)
(2) Rat Poisons: Barium Carbonate and Red Squill pastes are
supplied with instructions how to prepare and lay the baits.
(3) If defective drains are found Notice is served on the owner and
the defects remedied, and if need be the drains are relaid.
(4) Tracing and destroying rat runs under footways is carried out in
co-operation with the Works Department.
(5) Poisoned baits have been laid in the sewers on occasions by the
Works Department.
(a) Briefly, the chief preventive measures for dealing with Rat Infestation
are as follows:—
(1) The Protection of Food Supplies.
(2) The removal and destruction of refuse.
Pending removal, all garbage, refuse and waste food should
be placed in metal bins, with lids.
The old saying: "No scraps, no rats," has a large element
of truth in it.
(3) Rat proofing of buildings.—All new buildings should be made
rat-proof by the liberal use of cement in cellars and foundations,
and by the proper protection of doors, basement windows,
ventilators, and all openings to drains.
Unfortunately, it is practically impossible to render ratproof
the great majority of the old dwellings in this Borough.
(4) Protection of Drains.
All drains opening into sewers should be efficiently sealed
and all ventilators guarded with wire cages.