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(iii) in particular, pay special attention to efficient rodent control
in its sewers, refuse dumps, refuse destructors and its other
public service properties and carry out periodical treatment in
accordance with the guidance given by the Ministry, unless
specifically exempted by the Ministry;
(iv) take effective action for the control of rats and mice in all
surface properties by securing full compliance of occupiers,
or entering and carrying out necessary treatment".
Rodent Control Work.
(a) Routine Procedure.
The technical officers of the Rodent Division, Ministry of Agriculture
and Fisheries, are confident that poisoning campaigns carried out by adjoining
Local Authorities in the London area over the past nine years have undoubtedly
resulted in a considerable reduction of rats in the sewers and a
proportionate decrease in surface infestation; but measures taken to destroy
rats, however successful, have only a limited and temporary effect. Most
people know that rats are prolific, but few are aware of the rapidity with which
their numbers increase. Research has shown that a pair of rats and their
descendants may produce, in the course of 12 months, well over 1,000
offspring.
Poison baiting of sewers was not expected to eliminate sewer rats
completely, for the impossibility of bringing all rats to feed at available
baiting points is evident. The primary need is therefore to take all possible
steps to prevent the migration of rats from defective sewers and drains to
adjoining buildings.
All infestations are carefully investigated by the Sanitary Inspectors,
who then arrange for drainage systems suspected of being a source of trouble
to be smoke-tested. If defects in the house drains and/or public sewers
are confirmed, a report is submitted to the Public Health Committee requesting
authority to enable appropriate statutory action to be taken in accordance
with the provisions of the Public Health Act, 1936.
The Borough Engineer is then asked to arrange for trial holes to be dug
for further inspection by the Sanitary Inspectors with the object of locating
defects to enable notices to be served pursuant to Sections 2,4 and 39 of the
Act. Some indication of the extent of this work may be gathered from the
fact that during 1953 the drainage systems of some 116 houses were repaired
or reconstructed, wholly or in part. In 79 cases the public sewer was involved,
and the work carried out under the supervision of the Borough Engineer.
The extensive defects found recently in the public sewer in Melford Road,
Trumpington Road and Odessa Road were discovered by the Sanitary
Inspectors (as a result of the procedure outlined above) and reported to the
Borough Engineer and Surveyor.
(b) Work Carried Out during 1953.
During 1953 some 443 complaints relating to infestation by rats and
mice were investigated by your Health Department staff, and 651 private
houses and 134 business premises were dealt with. The total number of
visits, in connection with these investigations and subsequent disinfestation
work, amounted to 4,251.