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been found to be carried on satisfactorily. There has been need once
again to stress the importance of a supply of water and sand being
readily available in case of fire.
INFESTATIONS
RODENT CONTROL
During the year 467 complaints of rats and mice have been received.
All complaints have been visited, and in addition, premises neighbouring
the houses from which the original complaints were received
have been visited where necessary. In consequence 571 properties have
been inspected for rat and mice infestations during the year. Of these
properties 453 were found to be infested and were treated for infestations.
The number of complaints received show a 50% increase over the
previous year, probably due to the exceptional summer. However,
the considerable increase in work was dealt with and the necessary
treatments made. The infestations were all of a minor character
although some are persistent and occur from year to year. Where
difficulty is experienced re-treatment with a variation of poison and
bait has produced satisfactory results.
A 10 per cent Test Baiting of the sewer manholes was carried out
during July. Twenty manholes showed "takes" and these were
subsequently treated with warfarin with para-nitrophenol as a mould
inhibitor. Inspections were made on the fourth, eighth and eleventh
days after baiting. No "takes" were recorded at the last inspection.
INSECT CONTROL
The majority of complaints regarding infestations of premises by
insects were those of carpet beetles, moths and wasps. All complaints
were visited and advice given, and where necesary insecticides supplied
free of cost. Wasp nests have been destroyed by the Council on
payment of a small charge. Last summer when there was a countrywide
increase in the number of wasps, 315 nests were dealt with, an
increase of some 262 over 1958. This involved the department in a
considerable amount of extra work over the period June-September.
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