View report page

PEST CONTROL.
The number of complaints received during the
year which related to rats or mice was one hundred and
sixteen. The actual number of rat infestations found as
a result of these complaints and the routine inspection
of the district for un-reported infest tions was seventytwo,
the lowest for several years and less than half the
number recorded last year.
Two hundred and seventy-two premises were
visited in the process of dealing with the infestations.
So for as the infestations at private houses were concerned
there was no charge to the occupiers except in respect of
any structural or other works which were necessary to make
good any damage caused by rats or to reduce the possibility
of re-infestation. Charges, based on the labour and
materials used, were made in respect of treatments carried
out at business premises.
Treatments of the district sewers were undertaken
twice during the year. This is a routine control
measure followed since 1947. 'The results suggested that
the level of infestation was slightly less than in 1961.
Fourteen premises were cleared of mice.
Requests for advice and assistance to deal
with insect pests such as ants, furniture beetles, moths,
were as usual numerous, and forty-one wasps nests were
destroyed.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Petroleum spirit and mixtures.
Twenty-three licences were granted for the
storage of a total quantity of 44,030 gallons of petroleum
spirit or mixtures, of . hich 43,800 gallons were kept in
underground tanks, each holding 500 gallons or more, and
230 gallons in smaller containers.
The licences included conditions for the
safe-keeping of petrol which conform to those recommended
by the Home Office.
A number of underground storage tanks were
-26-