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(c) Rat Extermination.—A survey of the whole of the
Borough under the Ministry of Food—Private Dwellings—
Special Scheme commenced in October, 1946, was completed
in February of this year. Briefly the work carried out
may be summarised as follows
Number of premises visited 30,067
Number of premises prebaited 1,231
Number of premises found infested 189
Number of notices served to remedy defects
likely to provide egress or ingress 591
Number of notices served in connection with
infestations arising from defective drains 115
Of the total number of premises visited 4.1 per cent.
were suspected as infested whereas only 0.6 per cent.
were found infested. The staff employed on this work
comprised: three rodent operators, one clerical/general
assistant and the part-time assistance of a drain cleaner,
all under the direct supervision of the Shops Act
Inspector.
The survey and baiting were carried out simultaneously
with treatment of the public sewers and
indicates in no uncertain manner that this Council's
active policy in regard to rodent control work is amply
justified, and further that a "free" service to occupiers
of private dwelling houses is essential.
During the year 2,537 rats were destroyed and 394
complaints received of the presence of rats.
Subject to the exigencies of the service the number
of rodent operators in the department has been reduced
to one.
(d) Disinfection and Disinfestation.—Disinfection of premises
and articles following infectious disease was carried out
in 532 instances and 418 library books were disinfected.
The methods employed were consistent with routine
practice including steam disinfection when necessary.