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We see them every day; they’re there within minutes when you leave food on the counter or spill something sweet. They’re one of the most common household pests, and we at Mostert Pest Control understand better than most just how annoying they can be. Yes, we’re talking about ants.

But there’s more to these fascinating creatures than meets the eye: an almost-secret world that we never see is constantly changing and growing through their hard work—their nests. Let’s take a look at the hidden lives of ants in this brief introduction to ant nests.

Types of Ant Nests

Ants tend to nest in either soil, wood, or wherever they are (opportunistically). Depending on where they nest, and the type of ant, some of these nests can be among the most elaborate homes in the animal kingdom.

Soil Nesters

Ants need three things to survive in an environment: food, moisture, and protection. So, ants that nest in soil are sustained by the nutrients they find there. You’ll often see the telltale sign of an ant nest by a lump on the ground, known as an anthill. These can look different depending on the ant species. With some, you can see a hole that leads down into the ground. With others, the hole is completely closed up. This is to offer protection to the colony, as well as generate heat to help them grow faster.

Pests they may be, but soil nesters also play a major role in the ecosystem, de-compacting soil which allows other creatures to thrive.

Ants living in soil construct nests with varying complexity. Some species build simple vertical holes with a few tunnels leading off from the main one. Others build a home that would be fit for a king if it were human-sized. The network of tunnels can run metres into and across the ground, and are incredibly complex, turning the nest into what’s known as a ‘super colony’.

Wood Nesters

The most common type of wood nesting ants is the carpenter ant. They’re often found in rotting and decomposing wood that’s full of moisture. Carpenter ant nests are extremely neat, created in parallel rows with smooth walls and zero soil.

Most of the time, you’ll find these ant nests outside, but occasionally, if conditions are right, they’ll nest inside the home. In this case, it’s important to call out a pest control service, as the ants can cause substantial structural damage.

Opportunistic Nesters

These are the most difficult ants to control. They’ll make the most of whatever environment they’re in, from air conditioners, to rocks, to home insulation, and more.

However, opportunistic nesters are known to perform a process called ‘budding’. This happens when the queen and worker ants move their nest to a new, permanent location. There are a couple reasons why they might do this, such as having a lack of food in their current location or retreating from a threat to the colony, such as pesticide use.

Ants Without a Nest

Interestingly, army ants don’t build nests like other ant species do. Rather, they create a temporary place for the queen to lay her eggs—between 30,000 and 300,000—and when these hatch into larvae, the colony ups and leaves the nest and goes in search of a new location.

Unlike other species, army ants can be quite destructive to the environment they inhabit. If you’ve got an army ant colony in your home or office, it’s essential to call in pest removers.

The Worker Ants

Every member of an ant colony plays a functional role. For example, worker ants are the lifeblood of all ant colonies, responsible for building the complex nests that ants occupy. Some colonies can have up to 100,000 workers, such as with the formica podzolica species.

Interestingly, worker ants are female, and come second in the social structure of an ant colony; the queen is first, then the workers, and lastly the males, whose only job is to fertilise the queen’s eggs.

Why Ants Build Nests

We know all creatures need shelter, but what causes ants to build their nests? It’s all about the queen. When ready, a queen will leave the nest she’s born into and found an ant colony of her own. The worker ants will build a nest for the queen to lay her eggs in. From there, the nest is used to house the eggs, along with food and provide shelter.

Temperatures in Nest-Building

Warm and cold climates make a difference to the size of the nests that ants build. A study published in Nature.com showed that ants in warmer environments build nests that are 1.5 times deeper than those in colder climates.

Getting Rid of Ant Nests

Now that you know more about ant nests, you may have a little more respect for these tiny bugs. That doesn’t mean they’re not still a menace to your kitchen countertops, though. If you have an ant problem in your home, it’s time to call in Mostert Pest Control.

We offer pest removal services for a broad range of insects. Visit our contact page to find the branch closest to you. We operate in all provinces in South Africa, as well as in Mozambique.

Finding termites in your home can be devastating. These little bugs can wreak havoc on a house. Sometimes, before you even know they’re there, a lot of damage has already been done. Let’s dig into why termites are found in urban areas, what the signs of infestations are, how to detect a termite colony, and how to get rid of them for good.

Why would termites infest my house?

Termites will infest your home because it offers a rich source of food for them, as the materials used in the construction of your house make for a good meal. Termite activity is often linked to a food source and the time of year.

Wood is the biggest attraction for termites. Depending on the condition of your wood, you’ll get different types of termites. In fact, there are three common types of termites found in homes in South Africa: dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites.

As their names suggest, dampwood and drywood termites go for soft and dry wood respectively. Soft wood is found in places like roof shingles, where the wood is water-damaged. Dry wood tends to be wood that hasn’t been affected by moisture, such as doors. Both of these types live in the wood they consume.

Subterranean termites, on the other hand, live underground in your garden soil and prefer to carry their food back from the source to their nests. They also tend to exist in larger groups.

What are the signs of termites?

If you hear a clicking sound from your walls, before jumping to the conclusion that you’re losing your mind, you may just have a termite infestation. Termites bang their heads as a warning to the others in the colony when there’s danger.

You may see termite droppings, known as frass, around dry wood in your home. It looks like a powdery substance around where their nests are.

Flying termites—those that have left the nest to mate—also leave clues. In fact, after a rain shower, they are practically impossible to miss. They swarm outside and leave nothing but wings when they’ve finished mating.

Why is termite damage such a bad thing?

One thing all termites have in common is that they can cause structural damage to your home. As they eat the wood from the inside out, the integrity of the wood is damaged, and anything that knocks against it could cause it to collapse. This means areas of your home could one day simply crumble.

How do I detect where the termite colony is?

Detecting where the colony is located relies a lot on looking for the signs of termites we talked about earlier. However, this is often easy enough when you’re looking for drywood and dampwood termites, but what about subterranean termites? As these live in the soil around your house, it’s extremely difficult for the average person to locate this termite species.

What’s the best way to treat a termite infestation in my space?

Treating infestations takes very specific skills, equipment, and pest control substances to completely remove colonies.

Can I treat termites myself?

While we’d love to say that there’s an easy way to get rid of these pesky pests, there isn’t. Over-the-counter solutions like termite baits are not effective at eradicating colonies long-term. The only way to completely remove termite infestations is to call in a professional pest control service.

In fact, trying to do termite control yourself can lead to disastrous consequences, with ruined furniture, and worse, structural damage. Not to mention the money that you can waste trying a DIY job.

Should I call in experts for termite eradication?

You should definitely call in experts for termite eradication. A professional will know how to conduct a termite inspection properly, being able to locate the source of these pests. They can also put in place an effective termite eradication programme to ensure the termite control remains effective.

A lot of chemicals are needed to entirely eradicate these pests—more than the average homeowner has access to. The strength of the chemicals professionals use is also important. We have access to industrial pest control substances, which homeowners do not.

These chemicals are mixed in very specific ratios, enough to kill the termites but safe enough still so as to not endanger family members and the environment. With these environmentally friendly termite treatment substances, we can help you protect the structural integrity of your home from the devastation termites can cause.

We also treat the perimeter of your home adequately—not only where there are visible signs of infestation. This means injecting our control substances into the soil at a specific distance from the house, all around it.

How often should I do a termite inspection?

We recommend calling in the experts once a year, just to be sure. As many parts of South Africa are humid and are becoming more so with rising temperatures, you can’t be too safe when it comes to looking after your precious home. If you have an active infestation confirmed, don’t delay. Call in experts today.

At Mostert Pest Control, we specialise in eradicating pests like termites in homes like yours. Contact us to get our team out to give you a free quote on eradicating the termites infesting your property. We offer our services in every province of South Africa, as well as in Mozambique.

Have a Pest-Free Holiday This Summer

While you may enjoy sharing the holiday season with family and friends, sharing it with insect infestations can ruin your fun. To avoid bringing pests home with you, be sure to check your luggage and clothes carefully when returning home.

Here are some common pests to look out for at your holiday destination:

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small, biting insects that can hide in soft furnishings, such as mattresses, bed bases, couches, curtains, and chairs. These common household pests are nocturnal creatures that come out to feed on hosts at night and are not choosy about their living conditions, so you can find them in clean environments as well as dirty ones.

To prevent bringing these unwanted pests home with you, inspect your accommodation for these pests when you arrive. Look for blood stains or discarded skins on the mattress, bed base, and sheets, as well as in cracks and crevices in the floor and walls. Use a flashlight to get a closer look. Keep your luggage off the floor and store it away from walls if a luggage rack is not provided.

If you do find bed bugs, you may need to request alternative accommodation until they sort out the pest issue. Remove your luggage, clothing, and family from the infested room until the pests are under control. When you return home, wash all your clothes in hot water and tumble dry them on the highest setting for at least 30 minutes to kill any remaining bed bugs or eggs.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are commonly found at the seaside, where the warm weather and access to water make for ideal breeding conditions. In South Africa, we have German cockroaches, American Cockroaches, and the common brown cockroach that can all cause disease outbreaks.

To prevent infestations, remove all water sources and pet food, store food in the refrigerator in sealed containers, and keep cardboard boxes away from your holiday accommodation. Use insecticide sprays and bait to kill any cockroaches that may have found their way inside.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance at any holiday destination, but they can also transmit diseases such as malaria and Zika virus. To protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep under a mosquito net.

Avoid standing water, as this is where mosquitoes breed. They can also breed in the branches of trees and anywhere water gathers. Since they cause a wide range of problems, protection against these pests is very important.

Preventing Pest Infestations at Your Holiday Accommodation

To prevent pests from ruining your holiday, there are several steps you can take:

• Store all food in airtight glass containers to keep pests away.
• Keep your accommodation clean and tidy to discourage pests from making a home there.
• Remove any stagnant water sources, such as puddles on verandas or in flowerpots, to prevent breeding grounds for pests.
• Use insecticide sprays and bait to kill any cockroaches that may have found their way inside your accommodation.
• Contact expert pest controllers such as Mostert Pest Control Service to get rid of all common types of pests, from bed bug infestations to ants, cockroaches, and more.

Other Pests to Watch Out For

In addition to bed bugs, cockroaches, and mosquitoes, there are other pests that may be found in holiday accommodation in South Africa:

• Ants: Ants can be attracted to sweet or greasy substances, so be sure to store food in airtight containers and clean up any spills or crumbs.
• Rats and mice: These pests can carry diseases and may be attracted to food sources, so be sure to store food in secure containers and keep your accommodation clean and tidy.
• Fleas: Fleas are often brought into holiday accommodation by pets and can be difficult to get rid of once they have infested a space. To prevent fleas, keep your pets treated with flea prevention medication and regularly groom and bathe them.

Enjoy a Pest-Free Holiday with Mostert Pest Control

By following these tips and being vigilant about checking for pests, you can enjoy a pest-free holiday in South Africa. Remember to also protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Avoid standing water, as this is where mosquitoes breed. If you do find pests at your holiday accommodation, insist that the property owner moves you to alternative accommodation until the problem is resolved. They can hire a professional pest control company to sort out the problem fast.

Mostert Pest Control services have a footprint throughout South Africa. We have professional teams trained to take on all pest problems. Don’t let nasty pests ruin your summer fun this year. Call us the minute there are signs of pests to nip the problem in the bud. We are here to tackle all bug issues, both large and small.

Cockroaches are not only creepy, but they can also spread disease through the transmission of decaying matter. Their feces can cause allergies and asthma, particularly in children and babies. To prevent cockroaches from infesting your seaside home, follow these five preventative measures.

1. Identify Prime Habitat and Treatment Spots

To effectively control cockroach infestations, it’s important to understand where these pests are most likely to thrive. In South Africa, there are many types of cockroaches, but three culprits cause the most infestations.

These three are the most common types you can find in our country, namely the American cockroach, the German cockroach, and the brown-banded cockroach. Each species has its own preferred habitat and behavior patterns. By identifying these habitats, you can target treatment spots and prevent infestations.

2.Keep Your Home Clean and Clutter-Free

Cockroaches are attracted to warm, humid environments, so it’s important to keep your beach house clean and well-ventilated. Make sure to sweep, mop, and dust regularly, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Keep clutter to a minimum, as cockroaches love to hide in piles of paper, cardboard, and other debris.

3. Store Food Properly

Cockroaches are drawn to food, so it’s important to store all food items, including pet food, in sealed containers. Regularly clean out the fridge, pantry, and other food storage areas to remove any crumbs or spills that could attract cockroaches. Similarly, a clean beach home that is free of clutter is less likely to attract these critters.

4. Fix Any Leaks or Damp Spots

Dampness is a key attraction for cockroaches, so it’s important to fix any leaks or damp spots in your beach house as soon as possible. This includes checking pipes, appliances, and the roof for any signs of moisture. Pest controllers can often provide a wide variety of tips and solutions for reducing moisture in coastal homes.

5. Keep Woodpiles and Cardboard Boxes Away from the House

Cockroaches love to breed in wood and paper, so it’s a good idea to keep woodpiles and cardboard boxes away from the house. If you do have wood or paper items inside, make sure to dispose of them regularly or store them in sealed containers.

6. Use Preventative Measures such as Baits and Traps

There are a variety of baits and traps available that can help prevent cockroach infestations. These include bait stations, glue traps, and insecticides. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product packaging and use these products in a safe and responsible manner.

Even so, pest control products alone are often not enough to stop these hardy, feisty critters. That is why many look to professionals for residential and commercial pest control solutions that will last.

7. Consider Hiring a Professional Pest Control Service

If you’re struggling to control a cockroach infestation on your own, consider hiring a professional pest control service. These experts have the knowledge, tools, and experience to eliminate cockroaches effectively from your beach house and help prevent future infestations.

By following these preventative measures, you can help protect your seaside home from cockroaches and the diseases they can spread. Don’t let these pests ruin your beach vacation – take action to prevent them from taking up residence in your home.

Looking for the best solution for a cockroach infestation? Talk to Mostert Pest Control today. We are here to make your summer holiday pleasant and bug-free. Let us advise you and put in place a cockroach eradication plan today!

Armyworms are some of the most destructive crop-eaters on the continent of Africa. They are invasive and were first reported in 2016. Farmers from across the continent, including South Africa, are fighting this pest.

Below, we look at the top worst pests in Africa and how to get rid of them.

What Percentage of Crops Do We Lose because of Pests?

Pests destroy crops like maize every year. These add up to losses in the millions. Pest destroys as much as 49% according to the Centre for Agriculture Biosciences International.

Climate change is exacerbating this problem. The above percentage is conservative. Some insect invasions destroy entire crops – almost 80% to 100%!

Listed Here Are the Worst Pests Affecting the Agricultural Sector in Africa:

1. Cereal Damaging Insects

Africa’s staple food source includes maize, sorghum, wheat, and rice. Maize is without doubt the largest staple and prolifically grown crop in Africa. Of the 1 billion people in Sub-Saharan Africa, 300 million people rely on maize as their staple diet.

Pest damage to maize is severe. Destructive pests include lepidopteran stem borers, Chilo partellus Swinhoe, and Busseola Fusca.

The spotted stalk borer insect (Chilo Partellus) causes damage of up to 100% for farmers in many countries. The percentage of damage depends on the region, type of maize crop, and the seasons. Countries experiencing Chilo Partellus damage include:

• 
  India
• 
  Pakistan
• 
  Iran
• 
  Ethiopia
• 
  Lesotho
• 
  Madagascar

• 
  Malawi
• 
  South Africa
• 
  Sudan
• 
  Tanzania
• 
  Uganda
• 
  Mayotte

How Vulnerable Are Root Crops in South Africa?

Although South Africa is not a major producer of cassava, we produce it on some farms.

• Africa produces over 23 million hectares of root crops each year. Africa produces root crops such as cassava, potatoes, yams and sweet potato. Almost 240 million tons. Almost 1 billion Africans consume cassava, a root of a tropical tree.
• The crop is heat resistant but vulnerable to pests. Gennadius (the sweet potato white fly) is the #1 pest that causes the most damage to cassava. They behave differently to stem borers. Potato white flies feed from the sap of the plant and spread cassava plant disease.
• Diseases the potato white fly spread is the cassava mosaic virus. Other diseases include the spreading of the cassava brown stream disease. Crop producers have reported entire crop failure. These losses occur in Central and East Africa. Crop losses add up to billions of dollars.

What Pests Affect Legume Crops in South Africa?

People throughout Africa consume large amounts of legumes. Common legumes consumed throughout the continent include cowpeas and beans. They are a brilliant source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. 200 million Africans consume cowpeas.

The #1 pest infestation destroying cowpeas is the pod borer. This insect destroys up to 80% of crops in some African countries. Countries affected by this pest are Niger, Nigeria and Burkina Faso. All 3 are primary cowpea producers.

Several pests have a negative impact on this important food supply. These are:

• 
  Aphids
• 
  Thrips
• 
  Whitefly

• 
  Leaf beetles
• 
  Leafhoppers
• 
  Bean flies

Why is Food Security in Africa Affected by Destructive Pests?

The International Centre of Insect Psychology has pumped billions into researching food security. This is right across the continent of Africa. The effect of pest activity on crops is a real problem. It is causing massive economic losses.

As climate change becomes a genuine issue, so does the activity of pests and insects. Effective controls, such as new crop varietals, are being investigated. These are plants resilient to destructive pests like the lepidopteran stem borers.

Learn more about pests we exterminate 

These Are Only Some of the Worst Pests in South Africa

The above pests are only a handful of the worst pests in South Africa. All the above affect crops. There are other pests that also cause damage to pests.

• As weather patterns change, pests develop a resistance to chemicals used in pesticides.
• As climates and economies change, pests inhabit new areas. This often results in food instability.
• As Southern Africa stabilises after the pandemic, there are other issues to consider. We are all familiar with brown locusts and the devastation they cause. There are other pests that have a negative effect on crop productivity.
• The most effective way of controlling pests is to eradicate them. This should happen in their early stages of development. African countries need to improve on monitoring invasive insects. A good example is the fall armyworm.

Call Mostert Pest Control Services for Advice

If you worry about pest invasions, contact your nearest Mostert Pest Control Service. We are professionals ready to devise a plan. We are here to install the best preventative and long-term pest eradication plans. Find out everything you need to know to understand your pest issues.

Our team of trained specialists will devise an environmentally friendly plan. This will help keep you safe and pest-free.

Almost every home in South Africa has ants. Do you find tiny ants invading your home, even if you clean up well? The tiniest food crumb could have hundreds of ants gathering and invading your space. It is time to tackle the ant problem using professional services.

Why Do Ants Keep Coming Back Even If I Clean?

The interesting thing about ants is that they are part of nature’s clean-up team. This is like the help we get from dung beetles. Dung beetles clean yards and the bush when wild animals and cattle defecate. They are there to clean up the environment.

Ants do the same and clean up after us. They are helpful little workers, cleaning the environment. The issue here is that human beings are not keen on their help.

We often find there are more ants in outdoors than indoors during the hot summer months. The reason is insects are more active as the weather improves. They may even invade your kitchen counter or pet food bowls in their hunt for food.

Why Do We Find Ants in Winter When Temperatures Drop?

You could find ants’ nests around your property during low rainfall months or when the temperature outside drops. Ants need water to survive. They often gravitate indoors in search of water during low rainfall periods.

This usually happens in summer rainfall areas when winter arrives. Ants gravitate towards the inside of buildings in search of water. You might find they are active during the dry season when the rains stop. We discover ants in bathrooms and kitchens which are the more humid parts of homes.

How Do Ants Alert Other Ants to Food Sources?

Ants are brilliant at working in teams. They live together in massive colonies. Worker ants alert each other when they find food with a scent trail. If they discover food spills in your home or sugary foods that aren’t in airtight containers, their search for food may lead them to infest your home.

How Do I Control Ants this Summer?

1. Ensure ants never gain access to any food. Be sure to wipe up any crumbs on the kitchen countertops. Toasters and appliances like dishwashers need wiping down after each use.
2. Prevention is far better than cure. Ensure you keep food in canisters in the refrigerator or other containers. Remember that ants gravitate towards water sources. Fix any dripping taps and empty water glasses.
3. Pick up pet food between feeds. This is also important for preventing flies in the home.
4. Wipe down surfaces with bleach or with vinegar to discourage ants from seeking food.
5. It is time to seal cracks in the home. Stop cracks in floorboards and window and door frames.
6. It might be time to call in professional pest control experts. Trained pest control companies will advise and assist with ant infestations.

How to Care for The Environment by Going Easy on Pesticides.

Mostert’s products are environmentally friendly. This includes eradication of ant colonies. Did you know the world’s insect population is diminishing?

One of the biggest causes of a world-wide insect population is the use of insecticides. Losses of habitats are a danger to the existence of some insect species. Remember that we need insects for crops and pollination. The disappearance of some plant and animal species is also responsible for the decline in insect populations.

Professional help is far more effective than DIY methods. The reason is we often cannot find ants’ nests. Chances are, you might only kill a handful out of thousands of ants in a nest. The secret of ant eradication is getting to the root (the nest) of the problem.

What You Don’t Want to Do is Get Rid of the Good Ones

Bees, ladybirds, and mantises are all good for our world. Mostert Pest Control Services is here to assist with pests so you can enjoy a healthy and clean environment. We suggest not getting rid of beneficial critters and creatures.

Why You Should Never Disturb Pheromone Trails

Professional help is important when locating nests. Disturbing their trails will encourage worker ants to create new nests. When you disturb the trails, the ants cannot find their way back to the nests. Never spray insecticides on pheromone trails. All you will achieve is killing a few worker ants.

Call in the Experts to Control Ants this Summer

Mostert Pest Control Services are here to help you with your ongoing ant problem. We use baits made from proteins and carbohydrates to take into their nests. We choose the behaviour of the ants to eradicate the problem.

After inspecting your premises to determine the extent of infestations, we tackle the problem. We do this without disturbing pheromone trails. Ant eradication is never a once-off treatment. The best way to eradication is to apply follow-up steps to keep the problem at bay.

Eradicate cockroaches in the home or business. Take steps to keep your environment cockroach-free.

Understanding Roaches Helps Keep them in Check

Get to know cockroaches to begin an effective cockroach eradication plan. Once you understand how these critters breathe, reproduce, and stay alive, it is easier to tackle the problem.

Why is cockroach eradication so tricky? Because cockroach populations are difficult to get rid of once they breed, and these critters are hardy and persistent. Call in commercial pest control companies to help you with cockroach eradication efforts.

5 Cockroach Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

5 things you probably never knew about tenacious cockroaches.

6 Reasons Cockroach Elimination is Difficult

Cockroach elimination is difficult because these creatures are survivors and prolific breeders. Cockroach hiding spots are hard to detect once a roach infestation starts. Bait stations and DIY methods alone are often ineffective.

How Will I Know if I Have Roach Infestations?

What are the tell-tale signs of cockroach infested homes? How will I know if they have moved in? here are two unmissable clues.

Getting to Grips with Your Roach Infestation

Keep a cockroach infestation in check by keeping your environment clean. Ensure you have no clutter and mess. Cockroaches can breed in any environment.

Ensure food preparation counters and the kitchen sink are spotlessly clean. Remove all sources of food. Store all food in airtight containers. This especially applies to storing food in humid environments. Examine store-bought food for cockroach eggs before decanting.

Get Professional Pest Control Services to Help

Get professional pest control services to help if you spot a cockroach. A cockroach trap, residual sprays, and other methods are not effective in the long-term.

Cockroach infestations can happen despite our best efforts at cleanliness. One cockroach could produce an entire tribe in a brief space of time. Mostert Pest Control Services will devise a long-term plan for the eradication of cockroaches.

There are over 120,000 fly species in the world, and likely even more unidentified fly species. From female fruit flies to blow flies and drain fly larvae, these pests are a health hazard that can quickly become an infestation.

We find flies throughout the world, except in Antarctica. The most common fly is the housefly. Many common types of flies enjoy dirty dishes, trash bags, and warm water sources. And that’s why it’s so easy to get a housefly infestation.

Why Are Flies So Problematic and Hard to Get Rid of?

Flies are problematic because they reproduce so fast. They are tricky to get rid of as they produce eggs in large batches. To understand where flies come from, we need to investigate their breeding habits.

House flies and fruit flies rarely bite. They carry over 100 types of harmful bacteria, which makes them unpopular. The bacterium from the housefly makes humans sick.

What Are the Most Common Places Flies Like to Lay Eggs?

Flies lay their eggs almost anywhere. They lay their eggs on excrement, dead animal carcasses, and in garbage cans. They lay their eggs in rotting organic material of any description.

The female fly produces hundreds of eggs. She lays anything between 75 and 150 eggs at a time. It is difficult to detect fly eggs because of their minuscule size.

The most common fly found in our home is the housefly. Their reproduction cycle is fast. The life cycle of the fly is also fast. It only takes between 7 to 10 days from egg to adult.

We have known adult flies to move up to 20 miles from where they hatch, although houseflies usually remain within a 1.6 km radius of where they hatch. Houseflies usually hatch outside and gravitate indoors through cracks and crevices.

What Are Fruit Flies, and What Are Their Characteristics?

We often find fruit flies in our homes, supermarkets, and restaurants. They gravitate towards human foods. Especially where we allow food to ferment or rot.

Fruit flies enjoy rotting fruit and vegetables. Clogged drains also attract them. Adult fruit flies usually have red eyes, and the front of their bodies are a light tan colour. The rear part of their bodies is black.

We find fruit fly eggs near surfaces of moist, organic fermenting foods. These common pests like to lay eggs in rotting animal matter, too.

What Are the Best Methods for Getting Rid of Fly Problems?

Flies breed outside. They then enter our homes through windows, doors, and cracks. Garbage bins and compactors attract flies indoors. These are perfect breeding grounds for flies.

• It is important that we keep on top of garbage disposal. Be sure to keep dustbins and trash cans clean. The amounts of waste will determine how many flies you have.
• Throw out overripe fruit and vegetables before they rot. This will keep flies away.
• Keeping your drains and kitchen clean will help keep flies in check.
• Prevent fly invasions by keeping your environment clean. You don’t want them coming in contact with food.
• Ensure your fly window screen does not have rips and tears.
• Seal crevices around windows to keep fly invasions in check.

7 Interesting Fly Facts You Never Knew

1. Adult houseflies have a life expectancy of 15 to 25 days.
2. The common housefly is most active during the day.
3. Flies settle on a wide variety of surfaces. These include walls, doors, and ceilings.
4. Windows attract flies for their warmth. They are not trying to get indoors. Once indoors, they fly around in search of any food source.
5. Housefly problems outdoors are not uncommon. They sleep in a wide range of plants. You will find them in garbage cans, on the ground, and in fences.
6. Warm weather offers optimal conditions for flies to reach an adult stage.
7. They prefer temperate regions to cold conditions.
8. Flies use wind currents to hitch a ride when entering your home on a hot day. On cooler days, flies hitch a lift on warm air to enter your warm home environment.

Get Your Free Quote from Mostert Pest Control for All Pest Invasions

The minute you suspect you have a fly invasion, it is best to nip the problem in the bud. Professionally. Call Mostert Pest Control Specialists for a free quote. Our team of experts can advise you how best to get rid of the problem.

Flies are a nuisance. And they cause disease. Take care of your family and environment by eradicating fly infestations. We offer solutions for all pest problems. Contact us today to find out how.

Common cricket infestations cause untold damage to lawns, sports fields, and crops in South Africa. They also destroy golf courses. The best way to get rid of destructive crickets is using pest control professionals.

The damage stems from deep within the root system. All types of crickets look for their food source by burrowing tunnels that destroy grass and crop roots. Learn more about how they operate and how to get rid of them below.

Many people like to try DIY methods, such as sticky traps to get rid of crickets, but cricket traps alone aren’t effective at stopping an infestation. It is important to consider the type of cricket you’re dealing with, too.

Types of Crickets in South Africa

In South Africa, we have camel crickets, house crickets, field crickets, spider crickets, cave crickets, mole crickets, king crickets, tree crickets, and Jerusalem crickets. Many of these common species of crickets are considered pests and destroy gardens and fields.

One of the most concerning cricket species in the cricket population is the mole cricket. Mole Crickets can create massive tunnels of up to a metre long beneath the soil surface. This is where feeding takes place. Mole cricket damage is cause for alarm.

What is a Mole Cricket, and What Does it Look Like?

A Mole Cricket is a little larger than the average household cricket. Adult Mole Crickets can reach up to 50mm. Mole Crickets are light brown.

They don’t have elongated hind legs. Unlike the average cricket. They have short frontal wings, and larger back wings adapted to flying. Their back wings have spiked tips at the end.

Male crickets create the annoying, incessant sounds. They do this by rubbing files together which are on the front wings.

Why Do Mole Crickets Cause Damage to Crops and Fields?

• Waterlogged lawns and fields attract mole crickets because thrive in moist environments.
• You will find cricket eggs in underground tunnels. Annoying crickets dig underground tunnels for this purpose and cause untold damage.
• Mole crickets prefer moisture-rich soils to dry ground. It is common to find them in swampy conditions and irrigated land. 
• They are pests. Although they are not a dangerous pest, they do cause extensive damage.

What Are the Signs of Mole Crickets?

Crickets push the ground into small ridges. This increases evaporation on the surface. It also disturbs the germinations and roots of seedlings. These include flower seedlings, grass seeds, and turf.

They also destroy the roots and seedlings of vegetable plants. Natural cricket predators keep them in check in indigenous areas.

Cricket infestations occur when introduced to non-indigenous areas. They become problematic and out of control. This happens when introduced into areas out of their natural habitat.

What Are the Natural Predators of Mole Crickets?

Natural predators keep Mole Crickets in check. But we cannot rely on these to keep many crickets under control. Cricket predators include a wide range of beetle species, parasitic wasps, spiders, birds, frogs, toads, and insectivorous mammals.

Bug sprays and baits at garden centres are ineffective methods to get rid of crickets. Neither will DIY preventative treatment help.

The best approaches to mole cricket infestations include professional treatments. Mostert professional pest control services will assist with your cricket problem. We will put in place an effective maintenance plan.

How to Get Rid of Mole Crickets

We often find mole crickets and earthworms in the same location. Infestations cause the earth to become spongy underfoot. This usually shows that there a cricket infestation.

Infested areas cause grass or turf to lose density. The reason is crickets destroy the root system. The result is lawns and crops dying.

Uncontrollable infestations destroy vast areas. Dogs often dig up lawns to find chirping crickets, as the sound can irritate humans and dogs.

6 Smart Moves to Prevent and Get Rid of Crickets

There are a couple of hacks you can apply to minimise cricket infestations.

• Do away with moist soil and moist areas. Ensure water puddles and pools don’t gather around outside.
• Mow lawns regularly and weed flower beds.
• Rake leaves and remove wood piles to keep crickets in check.
• Bright lights attract crickets. Remove bright outdoor lights. Instead, replace the globes with yellow globes and sodium vapour lamps.
• Contact Mostert Pest Control specialists to help get rid of crickets. We will use microencapsulated products and powders to curb cricket infestations.
• Wettable powders are an effective means of getting rid of crickets. Place these in any hiding places such as cracks and crevices.

Get Rid of Cricket Infestations Before It’s Too Late! 

Crickets are destructive insects. The minute you suspect you have a cricket invasion, call in our team of professionals. We will nip the problem in the bud. Left unattended, you could face enormous costs. Replacing crops, turf, and lawn is time-consuming and expensive.

Mostert Pest Control Specialists have a solution for all your pest challenges. Wherever possible, we use environmentally friendly methods to get rid of bugs. Talk to us today about a solution for you!

What’s the Best Way to Get Rid of Bed bug Infestations?

Bedbugs are tenacious and unwelcome guests in your home. Once you have an infestation, it is difficult to get rid of them. A bedbug infestation is difficult to detect.

Once they find a food source, you will find them everywhere. Even in your bed frames and bedside tables. You will also find they nest in electrical outlets.

DIY heat treatments like hot water and pesticides are not effective in eradicating these stubborn insects. It is far better to call in pest control experts. The only way to rid your world of nasty bedbugs forever is using a pest control professional service.

How Will I Know for Certain I Have an Infestation?

The first signs are bloodstains on your sheets. There will also be signs of bedbug excrement. You will detect unpleasant, itchy bites. Some individuals have an allergic reaction to the bites of bedbugs.

A reaction to bedbug bites could leave itchy welts on your skin. If you have a severe reaction, it could cause clinical consequences. Are you concerned you have any skin reactions from insect bites? Seek medical treatment.

You will find plenty of evidence. These include bed bug bite marks, smells, and human blood on sheets. Your doctor will recommend an ice application for rashes. Your medical professional could also suggest you take anti-inflammatory medications. Antiseptic creams will help with a series of bites or with a resulting typical skin lesion.

Physical Appearance of Bedbugs. What Do They Look Like?

How will I know for certain I have a growing bedbug population in my house? What do they look like? How will I know there’s a prevalence of bedbugs in my home or apartment?

• These insects belong to the genus Cimex. Cimex Hemipterus and other forms feed on the blood of people at night.
• The preferred host of these insects is the human body.
• Bedbugs are tiny insects. Adult bedbugs are about 6.44 mm long. They are about the size of an apple seed.
• Their bodies are oval, and they have a distinctive flat body. They look a bit like oval confetti.
• The insects are a reddish brown in colour. Once they have had a blood meal, their bodies swell. Their appearance is then redder than brown.
• Bedbugs do not fly. Instead, they scurry over ceiling and floor surfaces at lightning speed.
• The adult female can lay hundreds of eggs during her life cycle. Each one is miniscule – almost as small as the head of a pin.
• We refer to the undeveloped eggs as nymphs. Nymphs shed their skin many times before they become adults. After each shed, the bugs need a blood feed.
• It takes 10 days to a month for nymphs to reach maturity.
• The female bedbug produces up to 3 generations in a year. Their exponential multiplication makes it hard to get rid of them.

Are Bedbugs Hard to Get Rid of? 

Yes, these critters can be tenacious and difficult to get rid of. Nobody enjoys bed bug bites, and it can be hard to find bedbug hiding spots. Pest control companies have methods for the eradication of tenacious creatures.

You can find these insects hiding in cracks and crevices. Bedbugs are nocturnal. They appear at night to feed on human hosts, usually when hosts are fast asleep. Some people mistake their bites for a mosquito bite.

Do I Have a Bedbug Problem?

• The appearance of the common species is obvious by bite marks on the skin. Smears of faeces on bedding and mattresses are other indications of insect activity.
• An unpleasant and marked odour is present, not unlike coriander. This is another clear sign of insect activity.
• The insects have a tendency to spread throughout rooms. In apartment complexes, they could spread from one apartment to the next.
• You can find infestations in clean and dirty environments. These bugs are not particular about their surroundings.

Our professional team at Mostert Pest Control services is here to offer you advice. Our bedbug treatment programmes are effective. Only once we have eliminated the insects entirely, it is best not to replace your mattress.

We Offer an Efficient Search and Destroy Operation in Getting Rid of Bedbugs

Call Mostert Pest Control service to help with effective control tactics. A sudden insect infestation could prove unpleasant and problematic. Get your free quote today and get rid of your bug problem.

Instead of fumigating and home treatments, choose a more effective operation against bedbugs. The minute you detect a presentation of common bedbug challenges, contact us. Mostert Pest Control services will apply effective eradication methods.