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6.1
PEST CONTROL
Residents continue to look for the assistance of the Environmental Health Service in
the clearance of rat and mouse infestations, advice and practical help in dealing with
insect pests and the culling of foxes, squirrels and pigeons.
6.2 PREVENTION OF DAMAGE BY PESTS ACT 1949
The treatment of nearly 1500 rodent infested premises took place during the year
(details are shown in appendix 6.a). No rodenticide has come into general use to
successfully deal with infestations where anti-coagulate baits prove ineffective.
This Authority took part in a survey of the London Boroughs designed to help assess
this situation. First results indicated that local levels of infestations were typical of
those throughout the London area and stressed the need for more research in the
development of alternative rodenticides.
6.3 BLOCK TREATMENTS
A number of areas where there was a high level of infestations and re-infestations
were thoroughly inspected and dealt with as one block infestation. Some difficulty
in dealing with mouse infestations in flats is experienced because of high proportion
of residents that are away from their home throughout the day.
6.4 SEWER INFESTATIONS
The 10% test indicated that the infestation level of the sewer system continues to be a
small one. It is important to continually treat those parts of the system where
infestations occur in order to avoid the re-infestation of large areas of the system as
it was some years ago.
6.5 INSECT PESTS
803 insect pest complaints were received during 1972. Advice or assistance was given
in each case and 550 wasp nests were destroyed.
6.6 LAND PESTS
This is another service where there is an increase demand (from 185 in 1971 to 253 in
1972). Frequently the work of the Pest Operatives is made more difficult by disputes
among neighbours. It is only practical to attempt to control the number of foxes,
squirrels and pigeons and the service is concentrating on those areas where damage or
distress is caused or is likely to be caused. Many foxes destroyed were found to be in
a very poor condition.
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