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a deterent to these people notifying the presence of rats, the
Council decided to make the service free to all types of premises,
this has proved to be a satisfactory move and greater co-operation
is now experienced in the department's efforts to keep infestations
down to a minimum.
During the past year 642 notifications were received of
infestations and the Public Health Inspectors and Rodent Operatives
carried out 3327 inspections and reinspections of premises
and all necessary measures were taken to eradicate the rats and
mice.
Regular routine inspections are made of all Parks, Recreation
Grounds and Schools and disinfestation is carried out when
necessary.
Considerable thought has to be given to the right type of
poison to be used, and after much experience it is considered
that the most satisfactory and economical poison to use is that
commonly known as "Warfarin." This poison has the approval
of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and has the
following advantages:—
It is reasonably safe as far as humans and domestic animals
are concerned, it is not necessary to use pre-baits, therefore the
first baits contain poison and much time is saved.
There are two specific ways that members of the public
encourage rats and mice, to which specific attention should be
drawn.
The first of these is the frequent practice of the public in
throwing large quantities of bread out to feed birds. Instances
have been found where large slices of bread have been thrown
onto lawns, these are far too large for birds to consume or carry
away and supply plenty of food for rats and mice. If people
desire to feed birds, the bread should be broken up fine and placed
on a bird table.
The second point is the placing of sheds and chicken houses
too close to the ground, all buildings of this type should be kepi
at least nine inches above the ground so as to enable a dog or
cat to get under. Sheds very close to the ground afford comfortable
nesting places for rats and mice.
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