Rentokil
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP – WHAT THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY CAN EXPECT
EXPERT COLUMN ON PEST CONTROL
TIPS ON KEEPING ANTS AT BAY
No pest control company needs to tell you that there’s a serious ant infestation problem in the country to know this for a fact. Pest Control specialists deal with this on a daily basis as the demand to control outbreaks is increasing.
DID YOU KNOW?
1. Around the country, different species of ants can be found and control methods for each varies. This is why it is advisable to contact a professional pest control operator or company.
2. Ants live in colonies and hence control can be quite difficult. There may be thousands of ants in a colony.
3. Ants are attracted to sugar and many other types of food and water as they need proteins and carbohydrates in their diets.
4. Application of residual sprays may only affect 10% of the colony which is visible on the outside of the colony.
5. Ant baits of different types are the new and better way of treating ants as the baits are taken to the nest and helps to control the whole colony.
6. Ants are not seasonal but some species are more visible in summer as they swarm in large numbers from their nests. They are then attracted into buildings due to the interior lights. An abundance of food sources and warmer temperatures will also attract ants into buildings throughout the year. Another element affecting the number of ants is the climate and weather conditions.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR:
- All cracks and gaps in exterior walls which provide access to voids or interior areas should be sealed.
- Cracks in slabs and gaps in expansion joints should be filled.
- Food spillages should be cleaned up immediately.
- Open food containers attract ants into the building.
- The most common method of control is to follow ant trails to the nests and treat them with a residual insecticide. Follow up treatments on a regular basis is necessary to ensure complete control. Exterior nests should be drenched with a liquid formulation. A barrier spray may also be applied to repel foraging workers
More information on ants can be found on Rentokil’s website under Pest Guides. We invite you to visit www.rentokil.co.za or contact 0800 FAMILIY.
