Rats and Reasons for Pest Control in Kempton Park
There really is nowhere in South Africa that is rat- and rodent-free. These creatures are part and parcel of the country and the continent; there are everywhere, in nature and amongst human beings and their structures. As is the case in all other towns and cities in South Africa, Kempton Park is not rat-free either. In fact, certain human activities did and do inadvertently benefit this pest species.
Kempton Park’s Agricultural Holdings
In its early years, Kempton Park was a mere a dot on the map, adjacent to extensive farm lands of which extensive acreage belonged to the Erasmus family, whose descendants still have close ties with the town and its community. Before later land sales to property developers, much of the area’s farming activity was devoted to keeping cattle and cultivating crops, especially mealies. The latter is always attractive to rats, mice and other small creatures that are opportunistic feeders.
This is undoubtedly a contributing factor to the popularity of the “farm cat” and a reason for farmers throughout the world to keep cats in and around their homes and their grain and fodder stores. Today, Kempton Park agricultural properties primarily consist of smallholdings on the town’s eastern and northern borders. As and when developments take place, humans encroach on nature. Whilst there are now far fewer rats, field and house mice, mole crickets, crop eating insects and snakes in former farm lands, they are still present.
Industrial Developments and Food Establishments
Four major industrial areas, which incorporate factories of various types, packaging plants, food processing facilities and warehouses, are close to Kempton Park’s CBD and residential suburbs – Isando, Spartan, Chloorkop and Jet Park/Elandsfontein. Many enterprises have contracts with professional pest control companies to rid premises of rats, mice, cockroaches and similar vermin, which readily take to the shelter and food sources associated with such enterprise.
A railway station and a busy taxi rank are located right across the road from the CBD. Such bustling places are ideal locations for informal traders and food vendors. Sadly, many of their customers litter the surroundings and discarding partially eaten foodstuffs, which is an invitation to rats. Infrastructure, such as regular garbage removal, electricity supply and sewerage services is unavailable to informal settlements beyond the city limits, resulting in ideal breeding ground for mice, rats and other pest species.
OR Tambo International Airport, its enormous air cargo depot and flight catering facilities are built just across the R21 highway, virtually a part of Kempton Park. Again, this is prime rodent territory. This thriving town boasts several world class hotels, a private hospital and many restaurants and shopping centres, at which the anchor tenant is usually a supermarket. Opportunistic mice and rats are quick to avail themselves of discarded leftovers.
Unseen but Present
Most residents seldom see rats in Kempton Park. However, that does not necessarily mean that they are not there. Do not run the risk of exposing your family or employees to the potentially dangerous diseases for which rats are vectors. Prevention and control are essential, especially during winter, when rats and mice depend on readily available food sources and shelter, courtesy of human beings. Bugman’s expert, registered pest controllers are your best bet for preventative and solution based rat control. |
