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67
Many rats were caught during the time this work was in progress,
and, since the completion of the work, no further complaints have been
received.
Two types of rat are found in the Borough—(1) the black rat (rattus
rattus), also known as the house rat or ship rat, and (2) the brown rat
(rattus norvegicus). The former type is prevalent in the northern parts
of Southwark, and while the number of premises found to be infested
was few, none were found in the southern districts. Considerable
difficulty is experienced in exterminating this rat which generally
establishes itself in walls, between floors and ceilings and in roofs. The
older buildings are constructed in such a manner as to afford a suitable
harbourage, while only the most modern buildings can be considered
to be rat-proof and invulnerable to attack. The progress of the Clearance
Areas Schemes, whereby old properties are being demolished, has a direct
bearing on the prevalence and extermination of the black rat. Harbourage
is destroyed and both breeding and feeding made impossible.
The sewer or brown rat does not offer such a problem. After careful
investigation, sometimes extending over long periods, its source is
generally traced to either defective and disused drainage or defective
sewers. In the older part of the Borough, there are a considerable number
of old disused brick barrel drains of which there is no record. These drains
are often the main cause of rats entering adjoining premises; when they
are located they are removed, cut off or filled in.
Owners of property have been called upon to carry out a considerable
amount of work during the year. Where upon examination of the frontage
drains under the Council's highways, defects have been located, the cost
of the work has been charged against the owners.
Further, it would appear from observation that the Council's sewer
reconstruction programme is the most efficient method by which certain
areas are being freed of rats. This is evidenced by the entire absence of
rats in whole streets of houses, the sewers in the vicinity of which have
been recently reconstructed.
In conclusion, I beg to state that every effort is being made so as to
ensure, as far as possible, a thoroughly efficient campaign against these
pests throughout the Borough.