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Section 3 requires the occupier of any land, other than agricultural
land, to give notice in writing to the local authority if it comes to his
knowledge that rats or mice are living on or resorting to the land in
substantial numbers and provides a penalty for failure to give such notice.
The Act considerably extends the powers formerly held by the
local authority for the enforcement of notices served in respect of rats and
mice infestation.
RODENT CONTROL IN SEWERS
The bi-annual treatment of sewers was carried out during the months
of May and November and, in addition, test-baiting of 70 manholes
throughout the newer parts of the district took place in April and only
evidence of minor infestation was found.
The results of the two main treatments were satisfactory, but once
again evidence of heavy infestation was found in areas in the older parts of
the district.
The following table shows the degree of infestation:—
May November
Number of manholes baited 422 422
Number showing prebait take 166 177
Number showing complete prebait take 61 128
In November a special check was made after poison
bait was laid, the result being as follows:—
Number showing poison bait take - 172
Number showing complete poison bait take - 9
SURFACE INFESTATION.
The Corporation's rodent operative carried out treatments at factories,
business premises, private dwellings and local authority properties involving
some 4,000 visits.
The charge for this service to factories and business premises remains
at the rate of 4s. 3d. per hour.
The following is a copy of the Report furnished to the Ministry of
Agriculture for the period April to December, 1950:—
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