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24. RODENT AND INSECT PEST CONTROL.
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949, which came
into force on the 31st March, 1950, has now had its first
complete year of working. Although the Act gave much wider
powers to local authorities, there have been few prosecutions
under the Act throughout Greater London, and none in this
Borough,
The happy and satisfactory relationship which exists
between the traders and public on the one hand and the
Department on the other has been maintained. It is this
good feeling which makes any form of statutory action seldom
necessary. There is complete liaison with local authorities
in adjoining areas and also with private servicing companies
holding a few local contracts.
By constant survey and inspection every care is taken to
prevent any serious build-up of rodent infestation. The
protection from rodent contamination of foodstuffs is no
light task and considerable time is taken up in advisory
work of this nature. That it is successful is reflected in
the rare incidence of rodent contamination as a cause for
food condemnation in the town.
A very careful and systematic control of rodent infestations
in sewers is maintained.
The experience gained during the years, has made it
possible to locate infested sections of sewers with comparative
accuracy, and the least possible expenditure of labour
and materials. During 1951 approximately 300 sewer manholes
were baited. During the course of the work, matters calling
for further investigation and action came to light. For example
the rodding eyes on 36 sewer connections were found to be without
suitable caps, thus permitting free egress for rodents and
sewer gas to the house drains.
Quite often, evidence of the presence of rats is the first
indication of a defect in the drainage system or in a near-by
sewer. It is not unknown for the surveys to bring to light
old sewer connections which had once been sealed off with
pieces of wood which in the course of time had rotted aways
thus leaving open doors for rodents.
The assistance placed at the disposal of the local authorities
by the Rodent Control section of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Fisheries is much appreciated. The research laboratory is
located at the Tolworth Department of the Ministry, and the staff
there is always willing to give assistance and to consult with
your officers if and when, difficulties arise.

In addition, over 800 premises were inspected in connection,
with routine surveys.