View report page

RODENT CONTROL
Work involved in implementing the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 can be classified
under three main headings.
(a) The inspection of premises on complaint followed by treatment of infested premises and
advice as to preventive measures.
(b) Survey work, with consequent follow up work, undertaken on a systematic basis.
(c) Control work in the sewers.
(a) Complaints
Numbers of complaints received 775
Infestations confirmed
House mouse infestations 588
Rat infestations 49
(b) Survey work
Premises surveyed 2,270
House mouse infestations 478
Rat infestations NIL
(c) Destruction of rats in sewers
Two direct poison treatments were carried out in September and October using zinc phosphide
and arsenious oxide respectively.
Two pre-baiting treatments were carried out in March and June followed by zinc phosphide
treatment where necessary.
Currently there is general interest in the Greater London Area because of the evidence that
the infestation rate and resistance to treatment of mice is increasing. The London Pests Unit of
the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, South Eastern Region, undertook the organisation
of a survey covering a four week period during the Autumn of 1972. Information as to City infestations
was supplied and the findings on statistical analysis should offer a useful guide as to
trends of infestation and efficacy of treatment.
PIGEON CONTROL
The Public Health Act 1961 gives local authorities permissive powers to take steps to abate
or mitigate nuisances from pigeons believed to have no owner.
Complaints during the yearstemmed from the fouling of buildings and pavements, the presence
of mites in offices originating from pigeon nests on adjacent window sills and fouling of seats
and clothing and damage to plants in the City open spaces and gardens.
Despite the mild winter of 1971-2 giving a large carry over of pigeons from the previous
season, reductions to acceptable levels were effected in the case of complaints relating to
buildings. Control measures were not so effective in the case of the open spaces and gardens,
particularly those towards the perimeter of the City, serving as they do as gathering points for
flocks of pigeons for some distance around and often only for a short period - about mid-day. A
reassessment of the methods used is being carried out in an effort to achieve an improvement in
the present position.
CITY MORTUARY
Bodies received 207
Post Mortem Examinations made 207
Inquests on bodies 27
Inquests held at Holloway Prison NIL
Inquests on fires NIL
Inquests on Treasure Trove NIL
29