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 1958
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston-upon-Thames]
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During 1958 an initial treatment to the sewers was carried
out on manholes which had shown evidence of infestation on
previous occasions. This is part of a series of four treatments
in which sodium fluoracetate is being used. This rodenticide
was first used in Kingston-upon-Thames during 1957 and the results
were such that further treatments with this material are considered
to be justified.
The need for this work is emphasized by the fact that many
surface rat infestations are traceable to defective drains, and more
rarely to faults in the sewers. During the year 23 defects of
drainage systems were traced which had been proved to be the cause
of the infestation.
Rodent Control – Statistical Statement, 1958. Private Dwellings and Corporation Property.
| Rats. | Mice. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of complaints received in office | 74 | 20 | 94 |
| No. of premises inspected as a result | 302 | ||
| NO. of premises found to be infested | 136 | 22 | 158 |
| No. of separate infestations treated | 163 | 19 | 182 |
| NO. of visits for treatment and reinspections | 915 | 90 | 1,005 |
| No. of premises treated by occupier or other agency | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| No. of poison baits deposited | 222 |
Business and Factory Premises.
| Rats. | Mice. | Total. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of complaints received in office | 10 | 23 | 33 |
| No. of premises inspected, including those under Service Agreement | 179 | ||
| No. of premises in which slight infestations were found | 46 | 116 | 1,621 |
| No. of separate infestations treated | 42 | 355 | 397 |
| No. of visits for treatment and inspections | 600 | 1,776 | 2,376 |
| No. of premises treated by occupier or other agency | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| No. of poison baits deposited | 2,305 |
Summary.
| No. of complaints received | 127 |
| No. of premises inspected | 481 |
| No. of premises infested | 320 |
| No. of visits | 3,381 |
| No. of premises treated by occupier or other agency | 9 |
| No. of poison baits deposited | 2,527 |
Insect Pest Control.
Control and maintenance treatments are carried out by the
Department in all types of premises. During the year requests
were received to deal with infestations which involved the following
insects: Ants, cockroaches, carpet beetles, fruit flies, flour
moths, clothes moths, mosquitoes and woodworm. In addition, the
Department were asked to identify insects submitted by members of
the public and in this connection it is pleasing to acknowledge the
assistance afforded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Pood Laboratory at Tolworth.