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62
Several complaints were received of rat infestation in new properties.
Upon investigation it was found that old drainage systems, prior to redevelopment,
had been inadequately sealed off and provided a means of
egress of rats into the locality. In several cases rats had gained
access to premises through the lack of "mailing good" where service pipes
entered the property.
Notifications were also received of rat infestation from the many
railway embankments which traverse the borough. Many of these embankments
are extremely overgrown and would appear to act as reservoirs of
infestation.
Pigeons continue to be a source of annoyance, particularly in
Kingston and Surbiton town centres where despite trapping controls and
publicity by the departments, they are still attracted and encouraged by
people leaving food.
A number of complaints were received concerning clovermite infestation
in new flats. Although harmless, the insects are extremely
unpleasant and in all oases the cause of the problem was found to be
the practice of landscaping with lawns laid to abut the elevation of
properties.
A number of cases of bed bugs were dealt with, most of which were
in houses in multiple occupation.
One case of tick infestation arose from an overgrown area of land
which had previously been used as an allotment.
Mice in London
In order to ascertain the extent of mice infestation in London
the Greater London Boroughs including this Council co-operated with the
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in carrying out a survey.
A questionnaire was produced by the Ministry and 50 industrial
premises and 947 dwelling houses in the borough, which were selected on
a random basis, were visited by members of staff. Although the
Ministry has not, tc date, produced detailed statistics, it is hoped that
the information obtained will be able to show not only the degree of
infestation in London but also the type of properties where mice infestation
is likely to exist. In this respect it is probable that the
survey will re-affirm our belief that the greatest problem exists in
food premises and in houses in multiple occupation.