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25
Rodent Destruction.
The following summary shows the work done during the year
in carrying out the provisions of the Rats and Mice Destruction Act
1919.
Complaints received 172
Visits and inspections made 645
Informal notices served 35
Formal notices authorised 2
Private premises under special Contract to the Rodent
Officers of the Surrey County Council at the end of
the year 56
Since 1920 Richmond Borough Council has launched a Publicity
Campaign almost annually, and has carried out as a routine measure
the inspection of premises notified as being rat-infested. This has
included the giving of directions as to the proper treatment for ratdestruction
and for rat-proofing of buildings.
The main sewerage system of the district has been treated
annually by the laying down of poison bait for the destruction of
rats, and this method—one of the first to be tried out—was found to
produce good results.
In 1943 the Ministry of Food (Rat Infestation Branch) imposed
by compulsory Order, upon all local authorities, the duty of treating
the sewers for rat destruction, and they have laid down directions that
the treatment shall be carried out twice a year.
Under the existing legal Statutes occupiers of land and premises
found to be infested with rats and mice are responsible for the
destruction of the rodents. Local Authorities are responsible for
similarly treating any infested public sewers.
The following is a brief account of the operations carried out
during the year in the baiting of sewers for rodent extermination.
Sewer Treatments—1944.
10-1-44 to 18-1-44.
88 manholes (prebaited on 2 days and poisoned on 3rd day).
Total amount of prebait used (sausage rusk) ... 44 lbs.
Total amount of poison bait laid (zinc phosphide
and rusk) 14 lbs.