Rats and cockroaches are infesting growing numbers of Cape Town homes owing to urban decay, population growth, environmental factors and rampant pest breeding that is not countered periodically or fast enough by control measures.
And building on open spaces, which are the habitat of many of these creatures and insects, is also a contributing factor. Pest exterminators say they are being called to homes and buildings in increasing numbers each year, with the types of infestations often depending on the season.
The most prolific home pests they are currently dealing with in Cape Town and Joburg are German cockroaches, rats and ants, says Ian van Wyngaard of Verminator Pest Control. He says all pests have their “high seasons”, and winter is it for rodents. Cockroaches are summer’s top pest, he says, explaining that German cockroaches are those that move from property to property.
“For example, a shop infested with these critters can be a nucleus for spreading the infestation to the surrounding neighbourhood. My wife found nymphs (baby cockroaches) in the folds of a bag of sugar from a reputable supermarket.”
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Over the past three years, Van Wyngaard says there has been a “huge” increase in American cockroaches in both cities. In Cape Town, rodent and ant activity has also increased as a result of the drought. Other pest-increasing factors are urban decay. In areas where there is over-population, pests are not only harboured but even incubated, which allows their numbers to increase exponentially.
“Cape Town and Joburg share many common pests. Some areas have bigger ant issues than others, but these are mostly for environmental reasons. Other reasons are that pests must be dealt with comprehensively. If control is not achieved it will lead to further infestations,” Van Wyngaard says.
Although it is possible for the German cockroach to be “utterly eradicated” from a home, if only one is left, full infestation will soon recur. “Other pests are perennial and should be dealt with serviced periodically.”
Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency (ANA) Archives
Van Wyngaard says his firm was recently hired by a company with a rat problem. The rodents, including roof and Norway rats, were breeding in between produce and “every possible area inside the building”.
“It took intensive treatments twice and sometimes three times a week, of servicing, monitoring and cleaning. We totalled 18 visits in four months with more than 200 carcasses removed before getting the business back on its feet.”
In Joburg, rodents, cockroaches and ants are the main pests, says Roger Hagerty of Solid Hygiene Solutions. Pigeons and mynas are also an issue.
“The growth of pests in our environment is linked to urban population growth, particularly in high-density population zones. Linked to this is building on open spaces and natural habitat that used to be the turf for rodents and ants.
The company’s own data shows that rodent control call outs have increased 10%-plus a year. The frequency of services has also increased. Hagerty says the lack of, or decrease in, services such as refuse collection is also fostering infestations.
While the treatment of “health pests” such as rodents, cockroaches and flies continues, there has been growth in the treatment of other health pests, such as bedbugs, fleas and lice.
Picture: Nowshad Arefin @_nowshad_himel_
“Health and nuisance pests are not fussy about which area they populate. If there is a development, invariably an area next door will see an increase in pests, particularly rats.”
Hagerty says rat and mice control should be ongoing as once-off treatment rarely works. Although not as prevalent as “serious pests”, wood-destroying pests such as borer beetles and termites are “very destructive” to property and can cause expensive damage, says Van Wyngaard. Flies and mosquito also prove to be a huge nuisance at times, but most people deal with them without the services of a professional company.
“Ants, rodents, spiders and wood-destroying organisms are common to the environment so regular prevention and control, around once a year, is necessary,” he says.
Depending on the type of pest and severity of the problem, control services can range from R490 to R2 000.
Ensure your property is free of nasties
Property investment is a costly affair that could become even more expensive if a home is invaded by unwanted pests. Depending on the type of pest or severity of the problem, a seller may have to sort it out before putting a home on the market, says Craig Hutchison, chief executive of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.
“The type of invasion plays a major role in knowing whether to fix it prior to putting your home on the market, or whether it is something with which the next buyer is willing to live.”
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Ants are among the most common pests in local homes, but are not a major concern. However, there are others that could be very harmful to your property. Hutchison says sellers know whether or not unwanted visitors are a problem, and if they do not call in pest control professionals, they could get a lower offer – or none at all.
“Prevention is better than cure, and sellers are advised to fix these problems before going to the market. If you are not sure whether an infestation could have a devastating effect on your home value, ask your real estate expert and they will advise you about the right course of action.” Buyers are also encouraged to carefully look at the property they are interested in, he says.
“Look for signs such as rat droppings, or wood damage that could indicate termites. If you observe any such signs, ask your agent to inquire about the specific pest, and you are allowed to ask that a professional pest control company be brought in to remedy the problem. “This can simply be added as a special condition in the offer to purchase.”