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In the Twickenham area three treatments using Fluoracetamide (direct poisoning)
were carried out.
It was not found possible to carry out sewer baiting in the Barnes area during
1966, but arrangements are scheduled for this in 1967.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food have been kept informed of the
two methods of sewer baiting being used, and in 1967 it is hoped that uniformity over
the whole area might be possible.
Progress generally has been maintained throughout the Borough, and it is quite
probable that infestation of the sewers is lower than ever.
Grey Squirrels.
The grey squirrel is now familiar to most people in the greater London area, and
can often be seen in gardens adjoining parks and open spaces. In recent years there
seems to have been an increase in the number of these pests. As in certain other species
of wild life, both animal and bird, there has been a tendency to encroach on man's
domain by coming nearer to the houses, and it is now commonplace in some districts
to see grey squirrels running along the top of a garden fence or leaping about in the
trees.
If the nest or "drey" is built in the branches or in a hole in a tree, then the most
serious damage likely to be caused is to young shoots and buds of trees. Young trees
can be killed as a result of squirrels peeling off the outer bark in order to get at the
tender inner bark. It is also partial to nuts and seeds, bulbs and roots, garden fruits,
carrion and even the eggs and the young of birds. Two to three families are reared
each year.
There have been several recent instances of grey squirrels invading the roof spaces
of buildings, and this of course gives rise to serious inconvenience, damage and possible
danger to health. In severe cases the weight of the animals, litter and general debris
can bring down the ceiling. They are most active at night and can cause considerable
annoyance. They have no difficulty in climbing sheer walls and it makes no difference
whether the walls are pointed or rendered ot even of prefabricated material.
The photographs opposite show the damage done to the roof timbers in premises
used for food preparation. The building was sited near a park and the squirrels were
able to get access to the roof space at the eaves as shown in the top photograph. The
department became aware of a possible infestation when it was reported that maggots
were dropping from the ceiling into a food room. Squirrels or birds were immediately
suspected and on investigation a considerable infestation was found in the roof space.
A large amount of nesting material and debris was removed, together with three dead
squirrels which gave rise to the maggots causing the original complaint.
The damage which can be caused by the grey squirrel to roof timbers is clearly
shown in the bottom photograph and it can be seen how roofs can be collapsed by these
pests. There is a real danger of maggots and other filth contaminating food when such
an infestation occurs, and it is well that the public should realise that grey squirrels are
"tree rats", and should be dealt with in the same manner as the common rat.
It should be noted that during the mating season, the female squirrel is dangerous
and will attack human beings. This can be particularly dangerous in confined spaces
such as lofts or false roofs.
The Health Department are not under any statutory obligation to take action in
the case of infestation— in fact, we have neither the powers nor the resources to carry
out treatment. Advice on treatment and proofing can, however, be given by the
Public Health Inspectors or the complainant can be referred to the Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food, Field Section, Guildford, or to the local Ministry Inspector
at 15 West Tenter Street, London, E.I., telephone No. ROYal 6801.
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