WAR ON RATS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1152, 13 June 1911, Page 4

WAR ON RATS.

o GAINING THE CONFIDENCE OF THE ENEMY. In view of tho question of tho prevention of the spread of plague by tho extermination of rats, which is agitating tho public mind at tho present time, tho following letter concerning suggestions as to a good method of encouraging rats to take the poison has been received by tho Chief Health Officer from Mr. C. T. Munro, of Palmerston North:— "In view of the present plaguo scan; and the efforts which 1 learn from the newspapers are to bo made for the extermination of rats, I venture to hope that my experience in this connection may be of interest to you, and at the same time of practical utility. AbouHen years ago my house at Fitzherbert West was badly infested with rats. A friend had told inc that when it was intended to use poison for their extermination the great secret was to first gain their confidence by inducing them to look upon you ' as a friend. Acting upon tho suggestion, 1 laid food for them every night in the samo spot, consisting of bread and butter cut up into dainty little squares. They soon learnt to go for their supper and to know when it would be ready, and we could'hear them every night scampering along and congregating for the feast. When I had thus befriended- them for little more than a week, 1 added 'Rough on Rats' to the butter as directed upon the box. The result of my treachery was wonderful, for not a rat or a mouse was to be seen or heard about the place for many months after—ami in spite of the fact'that my house is within a chain of Native bush and close to the Tiritea Stream, both of which (end to encourage their presence. I believe arsenic is the poison in Rough on Rats, and have no doubt there are many others equally ef-1 feetivo. I ascribe my success not so; much to the special kind of poison employed as to the fact that before using it I gained the confidence of the enemy. I feel confident that it this plan were carried out 011 a large scale in a (own like WelliiiE'ton many thousands of rats could be destroyed in a single night. H would of course be necessary to take concerted act 'ii, for no beast is more cunning than a rat, end his suspicion is easily aroused. If the idea is new to you, I 'trust you will give it a trial, for I am convinced you would not be disappointed with the result."