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For fifteen years it has been used effectively to destroy rat infestations which would, undoubtedly,
have survived without this lethal bait. Extermination is relatively quick compared
with other popular rodenticides and this factor is of importance in a major and busy seaport such
as London. During this period many specific incidents have convincingly demonstrated the value
of this chemical in the 'armoury' of the rodent control organisation.
Mention is made here about one of the Dock Groups which has always been and is yet particularly
vulnerable to rat infestations. It is a terminal for ships covering most international
trade routes, receives many rat-attractive cargoes and provides a considerable amount of rat
harbourage. Persistent effort has continued over the years to reduce and maintain the rat population
to a minimum and success has been achieved in good measure by using this poison, with
out which the Staff would have laboured in frustration.
RODENT CONTROL ON LIGHTERS
Rodent control on lighters always has a special significance insofar as the results indicate
fairly accurately the conditions and trends in the whole Port. It is a feature which has the unstinted
attention of the rodent control staff stationed on the River, one of whom spends the greater
part of his time with a launch on this work. Because these craft ply between points and ships
scattered throughout the Port and carry a variety of rodent attractive cargoes imported from all
parts of the world, rodent control on them provides an excellent opportunity of detecting rodent
diseases before they can become firmly-established at the terminal berths or in the warehouses.
It is gratifying that the staff have the full support of all sections of the Industry both in the
commercial field and in the lighter repair yards, where most of the deratting work is carried out
by fumigation under their supervision. Prevention is better than cure and much stress has been
laid on the technique of rodent-proofing of the craft compartments to eliminate favourable conditions
for hiding, breeding and communications.
It has been unfortunate that because of absence of staff through illness there has been a
reduction in the number of inspections made during the year. However, the overall conclusions
are encouraging, as shown in the following tables. One noteworthy point which has arisen is
the need to have and retain a sufficient and enthusiastic rodent control staff if the spectacular
results achieved in this Port are to be maintained. Whereas rats were considered an inevitable
nuisance in lighters only ten years ago, their presence is now promptly reported and measures taken
for their extermination.
SUMMARY
Number of Lighters inspected 2,062
Number of Lighters without evidence 1,891
Number with negligible evidence 122
Number of Lighters treated for Rats 49
Number of dead rats recovered 195
Number of Rats sent for bacteriological examin- 10
ation with negative results for P.pestis.