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Domestic gardens still form by far the commonest site of rat infestations in this
Borough and most are confined to the exterior of the property. In the few cases where
rats were found inside the building the principal cause arose from the eroding away or
the breaking of the ventilator gratings in the external walls which are provided for underfloor
ventilation. A hole in but one of these provides entry for the rat to considerable
areas of underfloor space and from there to all parts of the house.
One rat infestation discovered in a shop on the street level of a very new multistorey
office building provided a problem as to its source — until it was eventually
revealed that some pet rats had escaped from a cage in a pet shop in the same block and
that not all of them had been recovered.
Mice
That mice are a growing problem is generally agreed. This is due to several factors
the principal ones being the acquired resistance of mice to warfarin and to the widespread
subdivision of large properties into smaller accommodation units. Fully alive to the need
for a re-assessment of the future mice policy, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food in 1972 initiated a rodent survey in the Greater London area.
The method adopted involved the random selection by computer of some 500 premises
(domestic and business) each of which was visited over a period of one month and
enquiries made as to infestations past or present. The overall results have yet to be
published. The Department's enquiries into so many premises revealed a tendency of
occupiers to regard mice with considerably more tolerance than is desirable and for the
occupier himself to undertake the treatment of the premises using, all too often, materials
which have already been found largely ineffective
Grey Squirrels
The presence of grey squirrels still remains a problem especially when they invade
roof spaces of houses. The department has no statutory obligation to deal with infestations
but when complaints are received appropriate advice is given. It is hoped that, in
the reasonably near future, legislation will be introduced giving authority for more
positive action to be taken to deal with the destruction of these pests.
Feral Pigeons
By virtue of Section 74 of the Public Health Act, 1961 a local authority may take
action for mitigating nuisance from pigeons. Routine treatment of three bridges providing
harbourage for pigeons which caused such fouling of the pavements as to be a
hazard to pedestrians was maintained. The work being carried out is proving successful
and the pigeon population under the bridges has been reduced to a minimal number. It
is, however, necessary to continue appropriate treatment so as to keep the matter under
control and prevent a recurrence of serious nuisance.
Wasps Nests
During the months of July to October 439 requests were received from residents in
the Borough requiring advice or help regarding the destruction of wasps. This showed
a reduction for the similar periods of 1971 and 1970 when 501 and 588 complaints were
respectively received.
The Council has no statutory power to deal with the problem of wasps nests but
when complaints are received advice is given or arrangements are made for two private
contractors in the Borough to carry out the work of destruction for which they charge
a reasonable fee to the complainant.
The reduction in the number of complaints of infestation over the past three years
may be due to natural conditions but there is no doubt that the efficiency of the work
carried out by the contractors in destroying the nests and hence breaking down the life
cycle of the insects has contributed much to the reduction of infestations.
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