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30
RODENT CONTROL
During the year, treatment of both surface and sewer infestations
continued.
Surface infestation by rats continued at a comparatively low level
and was in most cases remedied during the course of treatment as normal
procedure. Baiting was with Warfarin based bait which has confirmed
its effectiveness as a rodenticide.
Mice infestations continued to form the major portion of complaints
received.
The Council's sewers were treated twice during the year in accordance
with the recommendation of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries
and Food. Details are as follows :-
First Treatment (No.23)
Prebaiting 11th and 12th June 1956
Poison Baiting 13th June, 1956
Check of Poison Bait 14th June, 1956
275 manholes were baited and 183 showed "takes" of pre-bait.
The estimated kill based on "takes" of poison bait was 505.
Second Treatment (No.24)
Prebaiting 3rd and 4th December 1956
Poison Baiting 5th December, 1956
Check of Poison Bait 6th December, 1956
265 manholes were baited and 98 showed "takes" of pre-bait.
The estimated kill based on "takes" of poison bait was 435.
The treatments are confirming that the rat population has reached
a point where it is being "contained" but not reduced by the present
system of treatments.
Arrangements are being made to apply the Ministry's latest recommendation,
i.e. an extension of baiting periods and it is also hoped
that it will be possible to carry out a Warfarin treatment at a later
date.
The latter treatment will be dependent upon the Council's sewers
being fitted with new baiting trays and access ropes. Provision has
been made in the current estimates by the Public Health Committee and
the fitting will proceed as soon as the necessary labour is available.
The following is a summary of the work of the Rodent Operative § -
No.of premises investigated for rats 138
No.of premises investigated for mice 310
No.of premises investigated and found
not bothered 34
No.of baits laid to deal with rats 1,061
No.of drains found defective 31