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5. RODENT CONTROL.
Early in the year 1947 a special Report was considered
by the Public Health Committee on the subject of Rodent Control
in this borough. In that Report the importance attached to the
subject by the Ministry of Food was stressed, together with the
request that local authorities should view the work in a serious
light.
With this object in view the Ministry invited local
authorities to adopt a scheme of free service to private
dwellings, but to continue to charge for services in connection
with business premises.
After very careful consideration it was decided not to
accept the scheme as outlined by the Ministry, but to adopt a
modified plan which, whilst providing for free service to
dwelling houses, would not involve so much expenditure on labour,
buu would, nevertheless, fulfil the particular needs of this
borough. The only additional staff to be appointed was one
Assistant Rodent Officer, an additional Operative and a junior
clerk.
This scheme was approved and the new arrangement
commenced to operate on 1st April, 1947.
Operation of Scheme.
(a) Private Dwellings. Information regarding infestations
is obtained either by direct complaint by occupiers or
by routine inspections. In both cases the immediate area is
surveyed in order to ascertain the extent of the infestation,
the probable source and any other information. needed to determine
the most suitable action and methods of control. It has
been established that the most frequent cause for infestations
is the unsatisfactory manner in which poultry are usually kept
in gardens. The poultry houses are seldom properly constructed
and unused food is allowed to remain in the runs instead of
being collected. Another frequent attraction for rodents is
food which is strewn about by occupiers for the benefit of wild
birds, or which is placed around for domestic pets. Where such
causes are found, suitable advice is given to those responsible for
the malpractices. Food spilled around waste food bins cannot be
ignored as a definite encouragement and food supply for rats.
(b) Business Premises. Owing to the very considerable
damage and Iobs which may be sustained by the presence of only
one rat, in certain classes of business premises, information
Regarding infestations is usually readily supplied. In all cases
surveys of surrounding property are made and the occupiers of
infested premises are informed of the probable cost of treatment
if undertaken by the department, and that it is open to them to
stain the services of commercial firms if they so desire. A
written instruction to the department and acceptance of the