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Personnel of the National Fire Service were engaged as part-time
assistants. Details of the work, giving statistics, were passed to
the Ministry of Food, who state that the estimated number of rats
destroyed was 8,000 in the first treatment. Records of the second
treatment, which involved the baiting of over a thousand manholes,
will be given in the next Annual Report.
The Ministry of Food's recommended pre-baiting methods,
and their advice in the use of poisons and bait bases, have been
successfully used; and this Department has found the methods
practicable.
Pamphlets dealing with the rat menace were distributed, and
posters exhibited, throughout the Borough. Varnish and traps
were supplied to occupiers where few rats were suspected. Prebaiting
and poisoning was used where infestation was greater. It
was found that through the publicity the general public had become
more "rat conscious," and much time was given by the staff in the
giving of advice and assistance to troubled occupiers. Although
figures at times may be misleading, it is felt that some progress in
rat diminution was accomplished. It should be noted, however,
that, with a reservoir of rats such as in the sewers, continuous
killing of the vermin is essential, since periodical reductions of their
number increases the available food supply for the survivors.
Special attention has been given to all food premises.
The following gives in summary form the action taken:—
Complaints received and investigated 335
Premises found to be infested 287
Enquiries made 3,025
Sewer manholes baited (first treatment)* 600
Approximate number of baits laid 3,000
Approximate number of rats destroyed 8,000
*The second treatment will be included in 1944 Report.
The percentage of complaints received (335), according to the
ten wards, is as under:—
Harrow Green 9.8 per cent.
Leytonstone 14.3 „
Grove Green 9.5 ,,
Cann Hall 12.5 „
Forest 9.2 ,,
Lea Bridge 13.7 „
Leyton 10.1 ,,
Wanstead Slip 8.7 ,,
Central South 5.9 ,,
Central North 6.3 ,,