Opportunistic Termites on Johannesburg’s West Rand
For a long time, once one left the towns of the West Rand region behind, one would find that a large area to the west of Johannesburg mainly consisted of farms and smallholdings, the latter also known as “plots” in South Africa.
Ideal Habitat
While the inhabitants of some smallholdings were (and are) actively involved in agriculture (crops, animal husbandry or the stabling of horses) on their land, many simply preferred to enjoy a quiet, semi-rural lifestyle. There they lived, surrounded by nature’s wide open spaces and typical Highveld grassland – the ideal habitat of termites on the West Rand.
Termites and many other small creatures are largely undeterred by human presence and humankind’s activities. They simply carry on as before, doing what nature intended them to do, albeit within a somewhat reduced natural habitat. However, the consequences of their presence may become serious when they enter humans’ personal spaces or properties. Now, these same species are classified as pests with the potential and likelihood of causing immense, costly damage.
Opportunistic Pests
Pests’ principle activities revolve around finding and collecting food with which to sustain their colonies, which should be safe and sheltered, away from the elements and hidden from predators. Human structures will do very nicely. Reproduction is on-going and equally important, enabling the colony to prosper and grow, providing that the colony is adequately sustained with suitable nourishment. Termites’ preferred food consists of the cellulose found in timber, grass, crops and other materials that contain plant fibres.
Termites, ants and rodents are opportunistic. They will invade any place in which they detect a source of food. Additionally, it is ideal if the food source is readily available, easily accessible and in constant supply. When the source happens to be the wood in your roof, your furniture, cupboards, paper documents and skirting boards, or your lawn, carpets and crops, the colony will thrive if left unchecked. Sadly, your possessions will not left untouched for very long at all once subterranean or harvester termites arrive on site.
Species
It is said that there are about 2 750 different termite species throughout the world. Two of the species found in South Africa’s West Rand are commonly known as subterranean and harvester termites, names that are indicative of their distinctive and destructive habits. Scientists are of the opinion that the subterranean species is responsible for approximately 95% of all the termite damage that occurs in this country. Because they nest underground, eradication is best left to professional pest controllers, such as Bugman Pest Control.
Our Johannesburg South and West operation serves the greater West Rand area, including the cities of Krugersdorp and Roodepoort, plus suburbs such as Florida, to name a few.
Why Choose Bugman Pest Control?
- We are professional specialists in our field – the control and elimination of a host of pest species.
- Registered with the Department of Agriculture.
- All pesticides used are SABS-approved.
- We apply the highest standards of professional customer service, safety measures and quality in all methods and products we use.
- Bugman Pest Control strives to provide good service at a fair price whilst adopting the most humane methods of pest control and elimination.
- We have the scientific knowledge and expertise to tackle and overcome termite infestation wherever it occurs on the West Rand and elsewhere.
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