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
Chigwell 1955
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chigwell]
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RODENT CONTROL
PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT, 1949
1,548 inspections and visits were made in 1955 as against 1,308
in 1954, and 1,388 in 1952. The reason for the increase is caused
by more infestations of mice being reported. Warfarin is still
being used and is very successful taking on an average of two
weeks to clear each infestation. Zinc Phosphide and Arsenic are
still used for baiting the sewers.
Treatment of the Council's soil and surface water sewers was carned out as usual during the year, the results being shown
below:
| March | 10% Test Baiting October | October | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | 1955 | 1955 | |
| Manholes baited | 105 | 300 | 70 |
| Pre-bait takes | 41 | 11 | 13 |
| Pre-bait part takes | 14 | 2 | 24 |
| Poison complete takes | - | - | 8 |
| Poison part takes | 24 | - | 19 |
| Poison or Bait used | Arsenic | Rusk | Zinc |
Phosphide
I think that the rat population is still diminishing but for some
reason or other mice seem to be on the increase and more attention
will have to be given to keep these rodents under control.
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