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126
To illustrate this point it can be said that one earth is known where members
of a nearby office considered subscribing weekly for the purchase of tinned
pet foods for the cubs.
SQUIRRELS
Complaints about squirrels were received throughout the year. These
creatures, when they first appear, are often encouraged by householders
but as their numbers increase they eat bulbs, fruit off trees, plants, etc. They
nest in roof spaces and chimneys. It is at this stage when occupiers complain.
The squirrel, once it finds means of access to a roof space, will often
tear up insulation, chew woodwork, etc.
At present, eight traps are available for loan to persons who are
prepared to trap the squirrels themselves. Generally, all are out on loan
and often there is a waiting list. The name and address of a contractor is
also given where an occupier does not wish to do the trapping. Alternatively,
complainants are told where traps can be bought.
PIGEONS
Work in connection with the control of feral pigeons continued and it
can be reported that their numbers were kept within reasonable limits.
1,546 birds were, in fact, taken by the operatives carrying out the trapping
and other control work that is involved and, compared with 1969, there
was a slight reduction in the number of complaints received.
The problem with these birds is that they are provided with food and
water by well-meaning bird lovers, many of whom object to any steps
being taken to reduce their numbers. Herein lies one of the difficulties in
securing any reduction in the number of feral pigeons in the Borough.
It is felt that control and treatment work at its present level must
remain an essential service.
RODENT CONTROL
Compared with the previous year, there was an increase in the number
of complaints received about rats—1,851 against 1,753. Over the same
period the complaints about mice dropped from 105 to 57.
No major infestation of rats or mice was found and the distribution
of the complaints indicates that no part of the district can be singled out
as being more heavily infested than another.
This is encouraging in one way as the records that have been kept over
a period of many years suggest that the local rodent population is related to
two factors: one, the amount of foodstuff to which the rat has access and
the other is the cover necessary for nesting and harbourage.