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91
VERMIN AND OTHER PESTS
FOXES
During the year 37 complaints were received about Foxes and there
are no indications that their numbers are falling. In the absence of trained
staff little can be done to deal with the Foxes and while there are members
of the public who become most anxious about the presence of "Reynard"
generally for the safety of some domestic pet—there are many who find
Foxes attractive creatures and like them around.
The majority of the known "earths" in the Borough are on the
Northern side of the district.
WASPS
The year as regards complaints about Wasps was above average
(450) the number received being 618.
No serious difficulties were encountered in dealing with the nests
apart from those located in spaces where it was difficult to gain access—
under eaves and in confined roof spaces.
RODENT CONTROL
Compared with the previous year there was an increase in the number
of complaints about rats 1,953—against 1,851. There was also an increase
in the number of complaints about Mice—77 against 57.
No major infestation of Rats or Mice was found, and the distribution
of complaints indicates that no part of the district can be singled out as
being more heavily infested than another.
Difficulties were experienced in obtaining the services of Rodent
Operatives and at the end of the year the position in this respect remained
unsatisfactory.
PIGEONS
Throughout 1971 work continued in connection with the control of
Feral Pigeons and numbers were kept within reasonable limits. Messrs.
Rentokil are the Council's contractors in this field and control and
treatment work at its present level must remain an essential service, if the
number of Feral Pigeons in the district is to be kept down.
During the year 1,042 Pigeons were taken.
SQUIRRELS
Many complaints were received about Squirrels being a nuisance
and causing damage to trees and garden plants and to property. Squirrels
in roof spaces can be particularly destructive creatures.
A service for the destruction of these pests is not provided by the
Local Authority, but advice is tendered on methods of control and traps
are loaned to individuals. These, if properly baited, are very effective. As
a result of their use dozens of these creatures were destroyed.