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22
PESTS AND VERMIN.
An active campaign for the elimination of rats
was carried out during the year. Some 351 premises were
examined. Of these, 135 were found to be infested in
varying degree. Treatments were carried out using one
or other of the methods recommended by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Fisheries. In a number of instances the
infestations were associated with defects in the drainage
system, which required attention. As usual there was a
frequent connection with the keeping.of fowls. The Sewage
Works, Depots, Parks and other open spaces were regularly
inspected, treatments being carried out whenever necessary.
In addition to this campaign against rats on the surface,
two treatments of the sewers were carried out in the months
of June and December. The number of manholes shewing signs
of use by rats was 1$ and 19 respectively. When these
treatments were first started in 1947, 55 manholes were
found to be infested. As a result of these various activities,
it is estimated that some 1074 rats have been destroyed.
A further 29 premises were treated and shewed
infestations by mice. A total of 1107 visits were made by
the rodent operative in connection with these operations.
It was not necessary to take any legal proceedings
under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, in order
to free premises or land or to secure the structural repairs
which were found necessary.
The reduction in the number of premises found to
be in a verminous state previously noted has continued.
Only two dwellings were shewn to be infested, one by bed
bugs and one by fleas. Both were successfully treated.
There was a decrease in the number of wasp nests
in respect of which assistance was sought. Nineteen such
nests were destroyed.
The Department received numerous requests for
advice and assistance in connection with other infestations,
notably by ants, moths and furniture beetles, and, to a
lesser extent, by the many types of insects which infest
foodstuffs or invade the home.