MBOMBELA – The recent heatwave has not only brought drought to the city, but a serious influx of ants and cockroaches crawling in several households and offices as well.

More Facebook users are seeking advice on groups such as Nelspruiters on what they can do to keep these pests at bay.
Ants in particular are a nuisance as they cause damage by creating nests under pavements and in cracked walls.

According to Mr Ian McDonald, senior lecturer in game ranging and wildlife management at Unigrad Lowveld, spring and summer are a peak time for growth in insect numbers. “Usually the influx signifies an abundance of food for offspring, so it is normal to see an increase in insect activity at this time of the year. However, the dry weather is forcing many insects to search for food as there is little natural food available, and this would be driving the increased visibility of these insects in homes,” said McDonald.

“There are different kinds of ants which seem to have taken ownership of our homes, one being black ants, which are usually two to 12 millimetres in length, and they nest outdoors in walls and under pavings in search of food. Despite the influx they don’t carry any diseases, but some may have a painful bite. “The biggest damage is actually the presence of the Argentine ant, an invader from South America which is affecting the ecology of our indigenous ant species. This is the common ‘black ant’ we often see in our houses.”

McDonald said there are two environmentally friendly methods of controlling these insects. The first is to sprinkle baby powder wherever you see nests or trails. “This interferes with their respiration as it clogs the spiracles which they use to breathe. They often then leave that general vicinity. To get rid of them, a mixture of borax available from pharmacies and sugar is made and placed in a cold-drink lid or saucer.

The borax is poisonous and kills the ants as they are attracted to the sugar solution. Please do not use insecticides and poisons as these kill many harmless and beneficial animals as well.”

Cockroaches have also invaded households. They are harmless, but produce an unpleasant smell and can be carriers of various diseases as they are commonly found near waste deposits or in the kitchen, where food is present.”The best way to keep your home free of cockroaches and ants is to seal all cracks where ants could make nests and general hygiene to prevent cockroaches being attracted to food that is not closed and dirty dishes,” added McDonald.