View report page

Number of properties in district 77,241
Number of properties inspected 4,434
Number of properties infested by rats 1,050
Number of properties infested by mice 1,002
Total number of visits including re-inspection 17,254
The inspection and treatment of sewers was undertaken in collaboration
with the Borough Surveyor. Ten per cent. of the total
manholes in the whole sewer system were test baited, and maintenance
treatment was carried out in these, and other manholes known to be
infested, four times during the year. During 1972, 1,350 manholes
were baited and 192 showed evidence of rodent infestation.
The Department continued to deal with rodent treatment and
disinfestation work in Council-owned property within the Borough.
Other Pest Control Work.
During the year 1972, 646 complaints were received concerning
insect pests and the following is a list of the infestations dealt with:—
Ants 65
Bees 25
Beetles 25
Bedbugs 33
Cockroaches 14
Fleas 62
Flies 17
Earwigs 2
Maggots 4
Mosquitoes 1
Silverfish 7
Slugs 2
Wasps 295
Woodlice 3
Woodworm 2
Where possible, practical help is given by the carrying out of
disinfestation work, but in certain cases reference is made to contractors
who specialise in control work.
The incidence of wasps was lower than in previous years.
No charge is made for the destruction of nests, but this work, which
must invariably be carried out during the evening, can only be undertaken
when the nest is readily accessible. If the number of requests
for assistance exceeds our capabilities, householders are advised as
to the best, and safest, methods of destruction.
Ponds, ditches and other mosquito breeding grounds were sprayed
with insecticide as found necessary, with satisfactory results.
Sixty-seven complaints of nuisance or damage by feral pigeons
were received. Pigeon traps were placed on suitable sites, giving
effect to a reduction in the number of birds. 128 pigeons, 120 eggs,
and 110 nests were destroyed. Night visits were made to railway
bridges to take birds which were roosting.
During the year ten complaints were received of the presence of
foxes, which were causing some alarm among nearby householders.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food having withdrawn
75