Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 193, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1918 — Food Waste From Rats. [ARTICLE]

Food Waste From Rats.

In all parts of the country there 19 a serious economic drain in the destruction by rats and mice of merchandise held for sale by dealers. Not only foodstuffs and forage, but textiles, clothing and leather goods are often ruined. This loss is due mainly to the faulty buildings In which the stores are kept. Often It would be a measure of economy to tear down the old structures and replace them by new ones. However, even the old buildings may often be repaired so as to make them practically rat-proof; and foodstuffs, as flour, seeds, and meats, may always be protected in wire cages at slight expense. The public should be protected from Insanitary stores by a system of rigid inspection. Similar care should be exercised in the home to protect household supplies from mice and rats. Little progress in ridding the premises of these animals can be made so long as they have access to supplies of food. Cellars,* kitchens and pantries often furnish subsistence, not only to rats that Inhabit the dwelling, but to many that cofne from outside. Food supplies mav always be kept from rats and mice- If placed in inexpensive rat-proof containers covered with wire netting. Sometimes all that is needed to z prevent serious waste is the application, of concrete to holes in the basement wall or the slight repair of a defective part of the t building. • The necessity of co-operatlbn and organization in the work of' rat destruction is of the utmost importance. To destroy all the animals on the premises of a single farmer in a community has litle permanent value, sint* they are soon replaced from nearby farms. If, however, the farmers of an entire township or county unite in efforts to get rid of rats, much more lasting results may be attained. If continued from year to year, such organized efforts are very effective.