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As the weather starts to warm up after a long, cold winter, insect and rodent activity will start to increase. Insect activity will predict the weather as the weather starts to heat up, when the rainy season arrives or if we have another severe dry spell. 

How Warmer Temperatures Affect Insect Activity 

Insects cannot produce body heat; therefore, they are referred to as being cold-blooded creatures. The temperature around them will always play an integral part in how they behave. The temperature levels affect their behaviour patterns, breeding, and their growth. 

How Cold Weather Affects Insects 

Insects hibernate during the cold winter months where they seek places of shelter. This ranges from digging shelters under the ground or by making themselves comfortable in our homes and other dwellings. A few examples of these hibernating creatures include ladybugs, spiders and cockroaches, to mention a few of the many that make themselves comfortable in and around structures. The moment the temperature drops many insects start to slow down, becoming sluggish and inactive. Did you know that grasshoppers only start to hop when the sun warms them up? Additionally, certain insects that fly are not able to manoeuver their wings to lift them into the air when the temperature drops below a certain degree. 

How Hot Weather Affect Insects 

During the warm summer months insect activity increases and they become less sluggish. This applies to all climates except tropical areas. The reason for the increase in activity is because metabolic rates increase, increasing the need for feeding more, breeding and for surviving. This is the time when bugs start to invade gardens, paving, offices, places of work, homes and numerous other bricks and mortar structures as they surface from the long winter hibernation. 

The Song of Crickets and Warm Weather 

As the weather warms up, the sound of crickets chirping becomes more noticeable. The main reason for this is that there is a chemical reaction that takes place in crickets when it warms up and is referred to as Dolbear’s Law. These chirping crickets could measure the temperature and the frequency through the frequency of their chirping. Crickets can be used as a thermometer when applying this law. 

Bugs, Drought and Rain 

As is the case with humans, the lack of water or too much water does have a huge impact on bugs. During late summer when the weather becomes humid, flying ants make their appearance to find mates. This usually happens after heavy rainfall when the winged queens and male ants take flight and more ants join them in the wake of chemical scents left behind by other flying ants, forming swarms. 

Dry Weather and Insect Activity 

During periods of extreme drought, ants and other insects search for water by gravitating indoors. These little pests can become extremely problematic and the only effective way to get rid of them for once and for all time is by calling in expert pest control specialists, such as Mostert Pest Control. Trying to rid infestations of ants and other bugs using DIY methods can cost a lot over long periods, and in most instances, these methods are quite ineffective. 

There are, however, certain insect species that literally thrive in dry, hot climates. Locusts, crickets and grasshoppers thrive in these climates, destroying the crops of farmers. 

Wet Weather and Insect Activity 

Mosquitoes, the bane of our lives, thrive in wet weather.  Other insects that come out to play when the weather is wet include stink bugs, cockroaches and termites. 

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in pools of stagnant water. It should not come as a surprise, then, that mosquito activity increases exponentially when the rainy season arrives. 

Floods, on the other hand, force insects out of nests resulting in ant colonies and other insects to invade dwellings and other premises, seeking shelter. 

Our team of specialists at Mostert Pest Control will advise you on how best to keep pests and bugs in check as the weather starts to warm up. Trying to rid your property of ants’ nests, cockroaches, fleas, flies, mosquitoes, rats, mice and other pests is a difficult task and an expensive one. Put money back into your pocket by calling in the professionals the moment you suspect you have an infestation.

Level one of lockdown has arrived and with it, the reopening of most industries, restaurants, travel institutions, offices, and other places of employment. 

While we were away, bugs, insects, rodents, mice, and other pests would have made themselves comfortably at home, with many starting to breed as the weather warms up. Now more than ever before, we need to be up to speed and aware of how this could affect our health, the health of our clients and patrons, and what kind of damage pests have wreaked on many structures while we were away hiding from the deadly COVID19 virus. 

Additionally, we need to decontaminate entire workspaces by calling in the experts to assist with disinfecting surfaces to ensure there are no viruses and bacteria that have accumulated on surfaces through contact by a wide range of pests and insects. 

Use a Virus, Bacteria, and Fungus Disinfection Service to Prevent Cross–Contamination 

Before opening the doors of your business after pests have invaded your space, ensure that all your premises are virus and germ-free. 

Cockroaches and rodents spread disease; you don’t want the added worry of your staff becoming ill from disease-carrying pests. We have enough to concern ourselves with the Coronavirus lurking around every corner. 

Surfaces that are touched by the skin, especially the hands, can become hotspots for cross-contamination. If nothing is done to reduce cross-contamination, these frequently touched surfaces will become increasingly contaminated and cause a greater risk of illness in your business. 

Our virus, bacteria, and fungus disinfection service that we offer at Mostert Pest Control will get your work environment back in ship-shape condition and will rid all surfaces of germs by sanitising surfaces, equipment, floors, frequently touched spots, and those hard-to-reach corners almost entirely. 

We use products that are safe for humans, plants, and animals, plus our technicians have been trained to work fast, efficiently, and safely. We are conscious of the safety of all concerned, therefore, our teams are all equipped with regulation PPE clothing for the safety of all concerned. 

We tailor services to fit the needs of each client no matter how small or large your business, ensuring added peace of mind. 

What Steps Have You Taken to Pest-Proof Your Restaurant, Office, School, Library, and Other? 

When lockdown happened way back in March, many of us panicked, fleeing to the safety of our homes. We had little time to prepare for the mammoth task of working from home, homeschooling kids and keeping away from everyone while the big lockdown took place. 

It should come as no small surprise that many offices simply shut their doors, leaving many desks and other workstations vulnerable. Unsurprisingly, pests, rodents and other nasty creatures moved in to make themselves at home in the abandoned places that were once a hive of activity.  

If your building has not been proofed and protected against pest infestations, chances are that you will need proofing solutions and the expertise of pest control specialists to protect against pests that have invaded your workspace on how to tackle a variety of issues that could prove to be rather problematic. 

We Show You How to Pest-Proof Your Premises 

Each business, client, and situation will differ from the next. At Mostert, we have got the solutions to all those nasty bug issues. We offer you a wide range of integrated solutions to protect your business. 

If you are returning to work after a period of absence, we will help you to return to your premises in a way that will give you peace of mind and ensure the safety of all involved. We will support you with the reopening of your restaurant, shop, office, factory, hotel or any other facility to ensure everyone involved will enjoy a safe environment moving forward. 

As the weather warms up and bugs start to make their appearance, this is the perfect time to use the expertise of pest control specialists.  

Fumigation is perhaps one of the most underrated and misunderstood aspects of getting rid of bugs, mice, rats and other pests that invade the places where we work and live. The man in the street views fumigation as being a self-releasing treatment from an aerosol can – but there is far more to the process of fumigation than meets the eye. 

Fumigation fills an entire area with pesticides that are in a gaseous form. These will then suffocate the pests inside a product or area. Fumigation is excellent for controlling pests in buildings which we refer to as structural fumigation; fumigation also controls insects in grains, in the soil and in produce. Fumigation is used in goods that have been processed for exportation or importation purposes to prevent the cross–contamination of organisms. Fumigation is used effectively to eliminate termites and wood borer insects. 

Different Strengths of Fumigation are Used for Different Pests 

A variety of pests are eliminated through fumigation, such as: 

• Fleas 
• Cockroaches 
• Bed bugs 
• Spiders 
• Wood borers 
• Termites 
• Rodents 

About Fumigation 

• Fumigation is typically carried out for pests that are hard to reach. Good examples of this would be wood borers, tobacco beetles, fleas and others that find their way in a variety of products 
• When pests have invaded a product, the only method of getting rid of them would be through the fumigation process 
• Fumigation gases are used to permeate the entire product which is used to eliminate the stages of insects through all the life-cycle stages, from the egg stage right to the adult stage 
• Insects outside products will be tackled in a completely different manner to insects inside products 
• For insects both inside and outside products, a combination of methods to get rid of these invasive pests will be applied. Combined methods are used to ensure the problem is completely eradicated 

Methods Used for Fumigation 

There are two main methods used during fumigation. These include the Tactic method and the Prophylactic method. 

The Prophylactic method is routinely used whether insect activity is found during inspection or not. Australia requires fumigations by law annually using the Prophylactic method. 

The Tactic method is used at the first sign where infestations are detected. 

The cheap self-releasing aerosols are ineffective for fumigation purposes. These do not get rid of pests that are found within a product and are only effective for external insect activity. A good example is cockroach activity, although professional pest control specialists are a more permanent and safer option when eradicating these pests. 

During fumigation gases are used – it is important to use professional pest control specialists such as Mostert Pest Control specialists to fumigate your space, especially as the gases can react to certain materials and surfaces.  

Which Companies Are Permitted to Fumigate? 

Companies registered with the department of agriculture are the only ones permitted to undertake fumigation. Additionally, technicians performing fumigation services need to be trained. Fumigation can be dangerous and therefore the right certification is necessary to perform these tasks. 

Mostert Pest Control experts are a fully certified pest control company with trained specialists that are capable of undertaking fumigation tasks. The strict safety and health rules required are adhered to by a team of trained experts. Accurate tools are used to measure the gas levels which play a vital role in the health and safety for all concerned. 

Using a reputable company to undertake fumigation is vital as teams of experienced qualified technicians with the proper PPE equipment ensure the task is done under the correct circumstances, using only accurate tools to measure the gases. 

As the breeding season starts and pest activity increases, it is wise to be vigilant and to take action to prevent infestations. Only use certified professionals such as Mostert Pest Control specialists to assist in a fast and efficient manner to get rid of pests. 

With over 3 000 different species of roaches, vigilance is key to ensuring these are kept away from your property. Many cockroaches cause problems but many are beneficial to the natural world, too, and play a vital role in nature.  

There are three main kinds of roaches commonly found in buildings and homes throughout South Africa. These include the Oriental cockroach, the American cockroach and the German cockroach. 

Discovering an infestation calls for instantaneous action by calling on the expertise of pest control experts in South Africa. Mostert Pest Control Specialist will tackle your cockroach problem immediately and effectively, with outstanding results. 

Cockroaches eat anything from paper to packaging, food to fabrics and animal droppings, and most commonly are drawn to food. But what are the signs that you have cockroaches? 

How Do You Know You Have Roaches? 

Cockroaches are nocturnal creatures which are difficult to detect as they usually hide away during the day. In most instances, it is easier to detect signs of their presence and not the actual creatures. 

• Cockroaches leave droppings which look like fine black dust and is minuscule 

• Cockroaches leave smear marks behind on horizontal surfaces or where floors and walls meet – this is where they are most active. If there is water around, roaches produce brown, erratic smear marks near water 
• Cockroaches cause damage to all types of packaging and will destroy leather and books 
• Cockroaches shed their skin – mature roaches shed their nymphal skins between 5 to 8 times as they grow to adulthood 
• Cockroaches leave a strange smell where infestations take place 

The moment you find any signs of cockroach infestations, it is advisable to call our professional pest control team of experts at Mostert Pest Control. We will inspect the area and advise you on how best to tackle this problem. 

Once cockroaches start nesting it is extremely difficult to eradicate these pests. Home remedies to get rid of these creatures are usually ineffective. Pest control specialists, such as Mostert Pest Control is perhaps your best option to ensure roaches are eradicated. 

The last thing you would like to find in your home, office, retail outlet, restaurant, school, factory, hospital or any other place is a nest of these very nasty creatures.  Cockroaches carry diseases and are responsible for allergic reactions as well as contaminating any foodstuffs they have access to. 

Cockroaches Are Extremely Hard to Get Rid Of – Here’s Why 

Cockroaches Are Practically Indestructible 

• Cockroaches are extremely strong and almost indestructible. They can withstand up to 900 times their own bodyweight! Squashing a cockroach is extremely difficult and they can flatten their bodies to squeeze into the smallest and tightest nooks and crannies which makes it easy for them to escape  

• Cockroaches can live without a head for almost a week which is quite remarkable. Because roaches breathe through microscopic holes on their bodies, and can survive in this manner; their heads are therefore not necessary for them to breathe. It takes about a week for a cockroach to live without ahead, but it will eventually die from dehydration and lack of food 
• Cockroaches can survive without food for a month 

Male Roaches Are Not Necessary for Reproduction 

• Cockroaches are prolific breeders, reproducing young fast and furiously. Male roaches are available for reproduction purposes most of the time, but if they are no available to assist females are quite adept at reproducing young without their help 
• This process is done asexually and is referred to as parthenogenesis 

• This ensures females reproduce at an alarming rate 

Cockroaches Can Move at Unbelievable Speeds 

• Cockroaches can move at unbelievable speeds; they can move up to 4.8 kms per hour. Small wonder they are incredibly hard to catch 
• Roaches are sensitive to vibrations on the ground and as a result they can detect if you are approaching from a distance 

Once your cockroach problem has been dealt with, it is advisable to eliminate food sources that attract them to your premises, ensure there are no pools of water lying inside or outside your property, remove all pet food that might attract pests and keep your environment free of clutter. 

As Covid-19 escalates many of us are finding that we are working from home to avoid the spread of the virus. The best place to be is at home with working online being the norm and not the exception. Now more than ever it is vital to keep our work and home environments clean and free of bugs, vermin, viruses, and germs. This might appear to be a mammoth task, but a few clever hacks will keep the bugs away and the virus at arm’s length.  Continue reading

As restaurants start opening their doors for business, mice, rats, cockroaches, birds, and other creatures have probably set up home in the empty spaces. The main reason being that there has been no human traffic to interrupt breeding cycles. Before you decide to open your doors some strict rules and protocols that need to be adhered to which we all need to follow as well.   Continue reading

Hygiene and pest control will always play an integral role in keeping the work and home environment clean and safe. Protecting your staff or family by enhancing hygiene at work and home is more important now more than ever before. This is especially true as lock down relaxes and people start trickling back to work. How to stop pests from getting into food – that is the question. Mostert Professional Pest Control services play an important role and the services we provide are vital to the health and safety of all. Food attracts pests no matter how careful you are – that is reason enough to ensure pest control is practiced during and long after lock down. During lock down, hygiene and pest control services continues to service customers as it is an essential service during the global pandemic. Food attracts pests no matter how careful you are

What Has Pest Control got to do With Staying Safe During the COVID-19 Lock down?

Disease prevention – here is a list of the diseases transmitted by pests

Numerous diseases can be prevented through the proper management of pests.  You must ensure the life-cycles are disrupted. Put into place long-term processes and plans in place to prevent them from breeding at a later stage.

• Dengue Virus – this disease is spread by the Aedes mosquito which causes multiple infections throughout the year. The mortality rate from Dengue Virus is less than 1% if detected in the early stages and if not attended to the mortality rate is between 2 and 5%; and if not treated, the mortality rate rises to 20%
• Salmonella – this bacterium causes diseases that are diarrhea-related. The bacteria are caused by cockroach infestations, flies and rodents
• Rat-bite fever – Streptobacillus Moniliformis and Spirillum Minus is transmitted by rodents. Untreated this can cause death

The Reduction of Pest-Borne Diseases Is Important

Many pests infiltrate the human environment. These include fleas, ticks, cockroaches, insects that contaminate stored food, mosquitoes, bed bugs, crickets and more. Insects can contaminate food and surfaces and, in this way, can cause diseases and viruses. We have all become acutely aware of the need for keeping surfaces spotlessly clean and disinfected. This is especially so with the presence of the COVID-19 virus. Keeping your environment free from vermin and how to stop pests from getting into your food is imperative, now more than ever before.

Pest control assists in disrupting the cycle of diseases which is the cause of numerous vector-borne illnesses. Vector-borne diseases are the cause of up to 900 million cases of a wide range of illnesses annually according to the WHO.

Interrupting the Life Cycle of Pests

Many pests breed prolifically and if they are left unattended to. These cause havoc and the spread increases rapidly, spreading in more than one area. This in turn increases the infestation and could result in individuals getting sick.

Infestation of Flies – did you know that houseflies can lay up to 75 eggs which will reach maturity in 10 days? Over a month, under perfect conditions, this could result in one fly producing as many as 10 000 flies! This is an alarming figure. Flies spread germs and dirt that attaches to their bodies from filthy feeding habits. This transfers germs and disease to food and surfaces. It is important to keep flies in check and to ensure all food and preparation of food is kept clean and covered. Remember to sanitize your surface regularly.

Infestation of Rats – rats are prolific breeders as we are all aware. In a short space of three months, rats can produce ten young and after six months, a pair of rats can produce up to fifty rats. With rats reaching full sexual maturity in five weeks the rat population can become huge in just one year. Rats are attracted to food and can contaminate food supplies as well as spread diseases and cause other damage to structures. They cause damage to fittings in roofs by gnawing through wires and structures by burrowing underneath. Food attracts pests no matter how careful you are

Infestations of Cockroaches

These hardy creatures are almost impossible to get rid of and can live up to 15 months each. In a short space of just 90 days under ideal conditions, a single female cockroach can produce 400 babies. Cockroaches are responsible for transmitting a range of diseases through their droppings and contact on their bodies.

At Mostert Pest Control services we are fully aware that many South Africans are reliant on our professional pest control services to keep pests at bay. It is our job, to ensure food is kept safe.  This will lead to improved health. As pressure mounts during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial that we protect your premises and the population from all risks. This includes those that are associated with pests and breeding.