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42
only in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Arrangements were made and the operation commenced on 29th
September, 1947. 66 Prebait points were selected, and eventually
30 poison points. The takes were as follows:—
Prebait.
First Day. Second Day. Third Day
Full 15 15 14
Good6 6 6
Small9 9 9
No Takes 36 36 37
Poison.
Full . 0 Good .. 8 Small 8 No Takes 14
Post Rait.
Full 0 Good 0 Small 0 No Takes 30
We were now reasonably certain that the infestation was overcome.
Sound bait was again laid three weeks after " Antu " poisoning, and
only two very small takes noted.
During the course of the operations much undergrowth was cut
down and removed, and hundreds of burrows, closed. These burrows
remained unopened.
The following facts emerge from the investigation:—
1. The rapidity of the growth and the dense concentration of a rat
colonv where there is provided ample harbourage, food and
drink (baiting in 1946 on the same site produced evidence only of
a very minor infestation).
2. The interesting off-shoots of a colony once it has become too
large for its original habitat.
3. The regular habits of a colony, i.e., their greatest activity was
found to be at the regular feeding times of the poultry, etc.
4. The existence of a surface infestation by the common brown or
sewer rat, which apparently had no connection with infestation
in the sewer. All the drainage of the " blitzed " property was
properly sealed long before the infestation occurred. 1 he
drainage of the adjacent properties was sound, and the sewers,
which were baited in April, 1947, and again at the commencement
of this operation, showed no comparable infestation.
5. The absolute need for skilled organized control in the hands of
one team in cases of major infestations. No amount of indiscriminate
baiting by householders could have overcome this
infestation.
6. The absence of any attempt by rats to invade the houses, although
in many instances opportunity was adequate.
7. The usefulness of the new poison " Antu," in finally disposing of
a heavy infestation which has already called into use three
" routine " poisons.