Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
20 June 2024 | 15:27 CAT

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In recent months, abnormal weather patterns in South Africa have led to ants invading homes, causing homeowners to panic and rely on pest control companies for help. Jason Stephens, the owner of Black Ant Pest Control, is on high alert due to a severe power surge caused by pests.

There has been a significant increase in ant activity nationwide during the recent summer season – starting around August/September of last year and worsening over time.
Stephens stated that pest control companies have reported this occurrence in all regions and provinces, indicating it was not limited to just one area.

Stephens describes how the increase in temperatures provides an ideal environment for these small creatures to reproduce and increase in numbers.

Stephens says that this summer was much hotter and more humid than previous summers, causing unpredictability in pest activity and leading to unusual pest behaviour, making pest control more challenging.

He elaborates on how last year’s winter was less severe, and we observed that the ant population we studied did not vanish entirely during the winter season.
Stephens noted that they kept offering ant control services throughout the winter season despite the usual decrease in ant-related inquiries during this time.

Whole neighbourhoods and districts have been impacted, with residents finding ants in their households and establishments to the point where it has become challenging for them to coexist with these ants, according to Stephens.

Ants have completely taken over children’s beds, ceilings, showers, and plumbing spaces, infesting food and appliances with their presence.

Stephens notes that it was common for them to address whole blocks in neighbourhoods and even developments for ant infestations during this summer season.
From August of the previous year, Stephens and his team have been in a time crunch, handling numerous calls every week for ant control specifically in Pretoria.

“Our primary territory is Gauteng, but we have also received inquiries from Limpopo, the North West, and Mpumalanga regions,” he says.

He mentioned that the decrease in activity has begun due to the colder weather but has not fully stopped yet.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Jason Stephens, the owner of Black Ant Pest Control, here.