London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Kingston upon Thames 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]
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The close co-operation with the officers of the Ministry
of Agriculture and Fisheries continues and on a number of
occasions premises in Kingston have been used for joint
research and experiment.
It may "be of interest to review the causes for complaints
which are made concerning rodents. Each year a
number of infestations are traced to defects in drainage
systems and occasionally in sewers. During this year ten
such instances were recorded,, The more common causes,
however,, are the badly constructed poultry houses which are
not rat proof, and the indiscriminate feeding of wild birds,
particularly where more food is put out than the birds can
possibly consume. Shelter is also afforded to rodents by
accumulations of junk and rubbish and householders in a
closely built up town like Kingston should make every effort
to keep gardens and yards clear of materials that provide
harbourage to rats.
Rodent Control - Statistical Statement, 1953. Private Dwellings and Corporation Property.
| Rats. | Mice. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of complaints received in office | 118 | 24 | 142 |
| " " premises inspected as a result | 413 | ||
| " " " found to be infested | 230 | 46 | 276 |
| " " separate infestations treated | 241 | 40 | 281 |
| " " visits for treatment & reinspectioms | 1079 | 115 | 1194 |
| " " premises treated by occupier or other agency | 1 | 35 | 36 |
| " " premises inspected on routine survey | approx. 200 | ||
| " " poison baits deposited | 932 | ||
| Business and Factory Premises. | |||
| No. of complaints received in office | 16 | 16 | 32 |
| " " premises inspected including those under Service Agreement | 177 | ||
| " " " in which slight infestations were found | 39 | 101 | 140 |
| " " visits for treatment and reinspections | 1428 | 1782 | 3210 |
| " " premises treated by occupier or other agency | 8 | ||
| " " poison baits deposited | 2137 | ||
| Sewerage System. | |||
| No. of foul water manholes in the system | 810 | ||
| " " " " baited | 178 | ||
| No. in which bait was taken by rate | 63 | ||
Summary.
No. of complaints received 174
" premises inspected 790
" " infested4l6
" " Visits 4604
" premises treated by occupier or
other agency 44
" poison baits deposited 3132