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52
RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT, 1919.
I have received the following report from Mr. A. Ede:—
The work of rat repression in Southwark has received the constant
attention of the staff throughout the year 1938.
The main source of the brown rat continues to be weak points in
drains at present in use, and old drains which have fallen into disuse
through demolition and other causes. The tracing and remedying of
these faults are the most important part of the work, as the brown rat
is common to all parts of the Borough. Widespread damage is caused
by the mining and gnawing of these pests. While they are happy in the
use of the sewers for travel, and some sustenance, their working lives
seem to be spent in delving nurseries at drier levels, where litters are
reared without fear of flooding.
I gather from the reports of the Council's sewermen that the
periodic baiting of sewers has led to some reduction of the rodents
inhabiting them.
The work of tracing and eradicating rats has been carried out as
efficiently as possible, while at the same time giving the occupiers a
minimum of inconvenience and discomfort. It is often not possible
to employ sufficiently drastic methods to bring about a rapid abatement
of the infestation without serious dislocation of the household, and
annoyance to the tenants. This particularly applies to the older parts
of the Borough, where lath and plaster walls and decaying brickwork
provide a catacomb of dwellings for rodents.
The black rat is principally the problem of the occupiers of factories
and warehouses in the northern half of the Borough. Some have sought
advice at the Health Services Department and have willingly adopted
measures advised. In the majority of cases, the larger infestations are
dealt with by private enterprise under contract.
There have been invasions of dwelling houses by black rats, the
actual sources of which are often impossible to trace. In all probability
they are generally due to involuntary passage in packages and goods.
The wide use of rapid road transport increases the possibility of fresh
colonies of the black rat being founded by this means. Given early
notification, these newcomers may be exterminated before they are
firmly established. Traps and bait (poison) are used to this end.