From flies to moths, Fourways has a new pest problem
Environmentalist Donald Movundlela explains that the moths are attracted to the area's dampness and vegetation due to recent rainfall.
After enduring a swarm of flies that plagued Gauteng just a month ago, residents of Fourways are now finding themselves under siege by a new wave of winged visitors: Moths.
The sudden appearance of these insects has caused widespread concern and curiosity, with many asking what’s behind this sudden invasion? Is it a sign of something bigger? Donald Movundlela, an environmentalist, helps us to get to the bottom of this phenomenon, and understand the role these moths play in the environment.
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“If you have noticed in the past few weeks, we’ve had a lot of rainfall. As a result, the humidity level increased dramatically. Moths are attracted by damp areas and places where there’s a lot of vegetation,” said Movundlela. “This has caused a lot of problems for us, because, once the moths enter our homes, they target our stored food, clothes, and even carpets. However, the infestation will fade away, eventually, as we are entering into the colder season.”
When asked about the risk of this infestation, he said that they will lay a lot of eggs in homes, farms, nurseries, and some supermarkets. “The nymphs, which are the ones that will develop into moths, are the ones which will cause damage as they need food in order to grow. They will target stored food, fruits, leather, and even carpets. They will just destroy anything they come close to.”
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He added that the solution in homes would be to get moth balls, because they are very good in repelling insects, particularly moths. “Even some insecticides, with a cypermethrin active ingredient like sniper, can assist in this regard.”
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