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RODENT CONTROL

It is difficult to know the reason for the increased number of
complaints of both rats and mice which were not confirmed. Taking
these figures into consideration it does appear that the increased
number of complaints received is satisfactory.
Arising from Surveys, block treatment and complaints, 28
additional premises were found to be infested with rats or mice, three
being at business premises and the remaining 25 being at dwelling
houses.
Thirty-four smoke tests were applied to rat runs which revealed
defects in drains and/or sewers in 15 cases. Three of these cases
had not been remedied on the 31st March, 1958, but the work was
in hand.
One of the defects found and which caused a considerable amount
of work in the surrounding area was caused by the Electricity Board
employees breaking a drain while laying a new supply cable into the
premises. The premises concerned are occupied by a Baker.
The number of people keeping poultry is now very much reduced
in the district, and at 15 premises where poultry is kept, rats were
discovered, representing 4.62% of the total complaints.
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