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RODENT CONTROL
Rodent baiting at the sewer access points to secure the
reduction or elimination of rats was continued during the year with
treatments at four monthly intervals at approximately half of the
accessible places. Two treatments with sodium fluoroacetate were
followed by one with Warfarin and it was found that the rodent
population in the sewage system has been so reduced that "takes"
occur at less than 5% of the baiting points.
Endeavours are being made to trace old unused sewers, the positions
of which are not clearly defined on available maps and records. Some
further reduction in the rodent population might be expected when
these old pipes are found and treated. Full extermination, however,
appears to be unlikely unless the treatment programmes of all adjoining
local authorities can be fully synchronized. The control of mice is
now undertaken at a nominal charge of 2s.6d. per domestic building and
a large proportion of the rodent operator's time is now spent on this
work. The evidence available suggests that house infestations by mice
are being kept within reasonable limits.

15.