The Most Common Household Pests in Cape Town
If you live in Cape Town, South Africa then you most likely had an encounter with invasive pests at some point. Living in this beautiful city of Cape Town can be very rewarding, however, it doesn’t come without its challenges, i.e. invading rodents or insects in domestic and commercial properties.
Cape Town boasts an abundant variety of fauna and flora which includes a range of rodents and insects indigenous to our City. This beautiful and diverse environment means we have to contend with many household pests in Cape Town.
- One of the aggravating factors that leads to insect and rodent invasions and infestations is the dense housing structure in the Western Cape.
- Most suburbs in Cape Town are over developed with houses, business, and other building built very closely together.
- Combined with the dense population, overcrowding, and constant development in Cape Town results in the natural habitats of insects and rodents being consumed.
- This results in these “pests” needing to find new places to nest and breed.
Let’s look at some of the most common household pests we find in the Western Cape and how we can keep them under control using responsible, safe pest control and fumigation methods in Cape Town, without destroying our wonderful ecosystem.
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How to Get Rid of Rats
Rats in Cape Town are a very common problem. Generally, rats are quite happy living outside in the sewage systems and drains, however, with Winter weather setting in and our sewage pipelines not always up to the task of draining water sufficiently, means Rats have to move to higher ground. Many homes have insulated ceilings which creates a perfect nesting ground for Rats when the weather is rainy and wet.
If you hear thumping and scratching in your ceiling at night, typically means you have a rat that has moved in. Other tell-tale signs of rats are oily dark smudge-like markings on your walls where the rats run along. Check for gnawing of wooden decks, chewed up plastic pipes or holes burrowed close to your dog food and water bowls.
The best method to eradicate rats from your ceiling or tool shed in your yard is by first doing a thorough inspection, followed by a baiting procedure.
- The best method to eradicate rats from your ceiling or tool shed in your yard is by first doing a thorough inspection, followed by a baiting procedure.
- The baiting involves placing cardboard boxes in your ceiling filled with bait.
- If the rats are outside in your toolshed, garden, or garage we mount plastic bait stations with bait inside.
- That is a safer method to protect inquisitive children or dogs from accessing the bait.
Once the Rat feeds on the bait a few times and the ingredients starts taking effect, they usually move out of the ceiling and towards another property in search of a freshwater source. This is because rats cannot regurgitate once they’ve eaten something hence them trying to look for fresh water to try and flush it out or dilute the poison. By then it’s too late and they usually end up dying on your neighbours property or close by.
How to Get Rid of Mice
Mice in Cape Town properties are similar to rats in that they are happy living out in the field. However, when the cold and rainy Winter months set in, they also tend to move indoors in search of shelter and food. They prefer occupying your food cabinet or pantry where they feed on anything with a grain base such as cereals, biscuits, bread, powders, rice, etc.
The most effective method to eradicate mice is to place down cardboard boxes inside the cupboards with soft bait sachets.
- The most effective method to eradicate mice is to place down cardboard boxes inside the cupboards with soft bait sachets.
- The vanilla and grain ingredients are highly attractive resulting on the mice feeding on this.
- Similar to rats, once the mice feed on the bait a few times and the ingredients starts taking effect, they usually move out in search of a freshwater source.
- This is because mice and rats cannot regurgitate once they’ve eaten something hence them trying to look for fresh water to try and flush it out or dilute the poison.
- By then it’s too late and the rodents usually end up dying on your neighbours property or close by.
How to Get Rid of Cockroaches Permanently
If you are experiencing a problem with German cockroaches in your kitchen and want to know how to get rid of cockroaches permanently, then don’t fret because you’ve come to the right place. There is a solution and we at VERM-TECH have dealt with every level of cockroach infestation you can imagine, and then some, so we know a thing or two about cockroach eradication.
…VERM-TECH have dealt with every level of cockroach infestation you can imagine, and then some, so we know a thing or two about cockroach eradication.
The good news is the problem is solvable and relatively quickly and the results can be permanent.
- Step 1 is to do a thorough inspection to locate the nests
- Step 2 Flush them out quickly with a flushing agent to draw the cockroaches out of their hard-to-reach nests.
- Step 3 follow-up immediately with a cockroach fumigation treatment.
- This will kill of about 80% of the cockroaches immediately, offering instant relief of your cockroach infestation.
- The remaining 20% of the cockroaches will die as soon as they make contact with the pyrethroid base chemical which has an active residual that lasts weeks and up to a few months.
Alternatively, a different approach is a gel treatment. Once the Pest Control Operator has done a thorough inspection and deems the situation to be mild or not out of control then a decent gel application can also solve your cockroach problem permanently. The cockroaches are drawn to and consume the gel since it’s an attractant and once they have eaten it they die near their nest soon thereafter.
The remaining cockroaches in the nest will consume the dead cockroaches, thus exposing them to the poison as well killing off the remaining roaches. Both applications are effective and it all depends on the level of infestation and the surrounding circumstances.
How to Get Rid of Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are a common problem for hospitality & accommodation establishments such as Hotels, Airbnb’s, Bed & Breakfasts, Backpackers etc. Bed bugs are excellent travellers and quickly attach themselves to the travelers bags or clothing and hitch-hike a lift to your next destination. They need a host (that’s you) to feed on in order to survive so they tend to nest near to your bed.
Many of them nest under the seam of the mattress or on the base of the bed as they also prefer hard surfaces. At night they surface while you are asleep and feed on your blood.
If you notice small blood droplets on your sheets and bedding combined with itchy bites around your waist or calves, you most likely have a bed bug problem and not a mosquito problem. If the itchy bites are pink and swollen and the bite pattern is in a row, congratulations, you have bed bugs.
To get rid of bed bugs involves a a very thorough inspection followed by a fumigation of the whole room perimeter, bed and mattress.
- To get rid of bed bugs involves a a very thorough inspection
- Next, a fumigation of the whole room perimeter, bed and mattress.
- The room and mattress then needs to be taken into the sun and aired for a few hours and to allow the chemical to dry properly before returning the mattress to the bed base.
The whole house will require a full fumigation treatment and in severe cases a gas bomb treatment. This means the house will need to be vacated for 6 hours to allow the chemicals to settle and the fumigation to take effect and dry. Once you reenter, open all windows and doors to ventilate the property 100%. We recommend doing the flea fumigation treatments first thing in the morning to allow the house to remain closed for 6 hours and all occupants to vacate for the day.
How to Get Rid of Fleas
Fleas eradication in Cape Town are a common problem during the spring and summer months when eggs hatch and breeding is at its highest. Fleas nest in carpets, beds, wall crevices and other small tight spaces. A thorough inspection is needed to try and isolate the nesting. If you suspect you have fleas then do a good vacuum of all your carpets before the pest control technician applies his treatment.
This procedure will suck up any potential unhatched eggs and adult fleas. Make sure you empty the vacuum filter into a packet and discard it, otherwise you run the risk of infecting your property when you reuse the vacuum with the same filter at a later date.
- All bedding needs to be removed and washed in 40 degree water or higher to kill any eggs and adults.
- When you remove the bedding, place it in black bags to contain the fleas and prevent further spreading.
- Place the black bags in an empty bathtub.
- The pest control operator will fumigate the bedding inside the bags first after which it needs to be machine washed in 40+ degree water.
The whole house will require a full fumigation treatment and in severe cases a gas bomb treatment.
The whole house will require a full fumigation treatment and in severe cases a gas bomb treatment. This means the house will need to be vacated for 6 hours to allow the chemicals to settle and the fumigation to take effect and dry. Once you reenter, open all windows and doors to ventilate the property 100%. We recommend doing the flea prevention treatments first thing in the morning to allow the house to remain closed for 6 hours and all occupants to vacate for the day.
How to Get Rid of Ants
Ants eradication in Cape Town are possibly the hardest insect to eradicate since they are super smart and adaptable. They will do anything to protect the queen ant so relocating the queen to protect her is their priority. Once the queen dies, the whole ant colony will perish so it’s important to carry out the treatment correctly the first time. You cannot spray directly into ant burrows in an attempt to kill the colony, it wont work.
You need to place down bait at strategic points to allow the scout ants to “find” the food
- You need to place down bait at strategic points to allow the scout ants to “find” the food.
- Ants feed on protein, starch or sugar depending on the season and weather so it’s important to use the correct granules that includes all 3.
- They will initially feed on it briefly before they transport it back to the nest to feed the queen ant.
- This takes time and patients is needed when treating ants.
- The ant nest is usually on a hard to reach spot like under your house foundation where its not possible to access directly.
- What we then do is a perimeter fumigation inside and outside the house to create a barrier.
- We trace the ant trails which leads you to the possible nest.
To effectively eradicate ants requires at least 2 treatments in a space of 7-10 days. Book an ant treatment with us now.
How to Get Rid of Moles
Moles in Cape Town are one of the most destructive pests you can have. They will rip up and destroy your beautiful lawn in no time. Don’t delay contacting us to sort your mole problem out quickly and safely. If you woke up to a lawn filled with runner mole tunnels, you need to act fast.
- The mole is hunting in your garden for grubs, worms, and other edible insects.
- After we have some heavy rain in the Cape you’ll notice many new mole tunnels.
- This is because they surface to feed on all the active worms in the moist soil after all the rain.
Moles are territorial but will move between properties and hunt on different patches of lawn between your property and your surrounding neighbours if they are alone in the area. They will usually live near a large tree with lots of shade where they build their nest underground and operate from there via their extensive network of tunnels.
If you have young children or busy dogs, don’t hesitate, contact us now for FAST, EFFECTIVE, SAFE Mole Eradication.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitos: Your Ultimate Guide
Mosquitoes in Cape Town are more than just a nuisance – they can transmit dangerous diseases and ruin outdoor gatherings. At Verm-Tech, we understand the importance of keeping these pesky insects at bay. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide on how to keep mosquitoes away, both inside and outside your home.
Seal the Entry Points
The first line of defense against mosquitoes is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. Our team of experts recommends patching up any holes or gaps in window and door screens, caulking cracks, and using weather stripping to seal gaps under doors. Remember to keep doors closed whenever possible to minimize the chances of mosquitoes sneaking in.
Natural Mosquito Repellents
If you do find yourself with an indoor mosquito problem, fear not! Verm-Tech has a few tricks up our sleeve. Camphor is one of the best natural mosquito repellents out there. Simply place a camphor tablet in a small bowl of water and position it in the affected room. The strong odor will drive mosquitoes away. Replace the camphor every 2-3 days to maintain its effectiveness.
Eliminate Breeding Grounds
Mosquitoes only need a few drops of water to reproduce, so it’s crucial to eliminate any standing water around your home. Check plant saucers, flower vases, bathroom and shower areas for potential breeding grounds. If water is necessary, like in a dog bowl or vase, be sure to change it daily.
Outdoor Lighting Adjustments
Porch lights and door lights can attract mosquitoes, and they may find their way inside when the door opens. To avoid this, keep outdoor lighting off or dim, or replace white bulbs with yellow ones.
Essential Oil Repellents
Many essential oils are known for their mosquito-repelling properties. Some of the most effective scents include lemon or citrus, rosemary, sage, lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, geranium, peppermint, spearmint, citronella, and cinnamon. You can use these oils in a vaporizer or diffuser to fill the room with their aroma, or apply them topically as a natural bug spray.
Citronella Power
Citronella oil is a tried-and-true mosquito repellent that can both kill and drive away these pests. Look for citronella candles or use the essential oil in your vaporizer or diffuser for maximum effect.
Mosquito-Repelling Plants
Certain plants can act as natural mosquito deterrents. Holy Basil, or Tulsi, is a great option that you can grow in containers around your home. Rub the oil on your skin for an effective personal repellent. Peppermint plants also have a strong scent that mosquitoes dislike. Plant them alongside your other houseplants or use peppermint essential oil in a vaporizer.
Garlic Power
Garlic is a natural mosquito killer and repellent, thanks to its strong odor. Incorporate more garlic into your cooking to reap the benefits – the cooking aromas will drive mosquitoes away, and eating garlic will help prevent bites.
Mosquito Traps
If all else fails, a simple mosquito trap can quickly solve your indoor mosquito problem. Mosquitoes are attracted to water, which they need to breed. Create a trap by placing a small bowl of soapy water (1 pint of water with 5-6 drops of dish soap) in a discreet location in each room. The water will lure them in, and the soap will trap and drown them, preventing the next generation.
At Verm-Tech, we’re committed to providing effective, eco-friendly pest control solutions. By combining these proven methods, you can create a mosquito-free environment and enjoy your home without the constant buzzing and biting. Contact us today to learn more about our mosquito control services and how we can help you reclaim your outdoor spaces.
How to Get Rid of Flies with Verm-Tech’s Proven Tactics
Flies in Cape Town can be a real nuisance, buzzing around your home and potentially spreading diseases. At Verm-Tech, we understand the importance of keeping these pests at bay, which is why we’ve compiled a list of effective methods to get rid of flies inside your property.
DIY Fly Traps
One of the most efficient DIY ways to eliminate flies is by creating your own custom trap. Simply mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of sugar, and a few drops of dish soap in a container. Cover the container with plastic wrap or tin foil, and poke a few holes in it. The sweet smell of the vinegar will attract the flies, while the soap will break the surface tension of the liquid, causing them to sink and drown.
Sticky Fly Paper
Fly paper is a classic solution that works by using a sticky, pheromone-laced surface to trap flies. When a fly lands on the paper, it becomes stuck and eventually dies, providing a simple yet effective way to reduce the fly population in your home.
Bait Traps
Another option is to create a trap using baits like syrup, sugar water, rotten fruit, or even eggs. The strong, enticing scent of these food sources will lure flies into the trap, where they’ll meet their demise.
At Verm-Tech, we believe in providing our clients with a comprehensive range of pest control solutions, including effective DIY methods for dealing with flies. By combining these proven techniques, you can reclaim your indoor spaces and enjoy a fly-free environment. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you maintain a pest-free home.
Pest Control Cape Town Within 8.1 Km or More at No Extra Cost
We service the all the below suburbs regularly in Cape Town. We offer domestic fumigation services and pest control Cape Town within 8.1 km or more at no extra charge to the client. We regularly operate in the below suburbs and can be at your service within 24 hours.
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