Entomological Services

Pest Control Services for You

Alcocks offers great services that guarantees you piece of mind that the work is done to the strictest standards.

We offer a range of services which include pest management for:

• Woodborer

  Wood boring insects and beetles are those organisms that are found in and destroy wood.  In all cases of woodboring beetles, the larva is responsible for the most damage. They are often found in older parts of a region and in the case of Durban inhabit the “borer strip”. This area stretches from the Bluff to Glenwood, Musgrave, areas of Berea and Durban North typically. They drop frass or faecal pellets which differ in colour depending on the wood they inhabit and differ in shape depending on which beetle is infesting. Flighting season is between October and the end of March.  Click here for more information on woodborer

  Treatment

  Treatment of woodborer include fumigation, removal and replacement or hypo treatments. For a solution suited to your specific needs please contact us for advice on the preferred treatment for you.

• Termites

  There are two main types to attack homes which are Sub-terranean termites and Wood-Inhabiting termites.  Subterranean termites are a fast destroyer of wood with damage occurring rapidly.  This type is often called "white ants". Flighting occurs after first spring rains and are often found attracted to outside lights.  Please click here for more information.

  Treatment

  Treatment of Termites include drill and injections where holes are drilled into slab on ground areas and cavity walls, in the cases of a suspended floor, the soil is treated. Please contact Alcocks for help dealing with your termite problem.

• Cockroaches

  We have two types of cockroaches that we generally encounter, the American Cockroach and the German Cockroach. The American cockroach is about 38mm in length and is a reddish brown colour with a yellow stripe behind its head. It’s the largest cockroach we encounter and is able to fly. The German cockroach is about 17mm in length and is a light brown colour with two dark stripes. This cockroach is dependent on human activity for survival and generally nests close to humans. Cockroaches also contain proteins in its saliva that aggravate asthma.

  Treatment

  The best treatment is prevention with cockroaches. Thoroughly clean and sanitize areas that food is worked with as well as dustbins. Cockroaches will be attracted to any spillages so be sure to clean them quickly. Unfortunately, over the counter solutions have limited efficacy with them. We offer a spray and a gelling solution for cockroaches. For these very effective methods of roach control please contact Alcocks and you will be advised of the best method to use. Click here for more info on cockroaches.

• Rodents

  The Rodents that we generally find and that cause damage are mice and rats. Rats can cause damage to homes and business and spread illnesses such as Leptospirosis. Rat infestation is marked by gnawing marks on boxes, furniture and fabric and nests can be found which may have strips of cardboard in its makeup.  Click here for more information rats and mice.

  Treatment

  For effective treatment of rodents we install tamper proof bait stations with a rodenticide. This is attractive to the rats who consume the poison. It is safe for pets, as a dogs for example will have to consume its body weight in poison for it to affect it. Should you have a rodent problem please call Alcocks for an effective and safe solution.

• Fleas

  Fleas are found in most areas except places that are very dry. The most commonly found flea is the cat flea. They attack cats, dogs, people and various other animals. They are small brown, flattened insects and are able to jump very well. For more info on fleas please click here.

  Treatment

  To treat a flea infestation, flea sprays are very effective. It is important when having a flea spray done to remove the animals from the property and have them washed and dipped while the spraying is taking place. This is a precautionary measure to avoid re-infestation. For help with your flea problem please contact us.

For trouble with any other pest, please feel free to contact us.  Our helpful pest Control department will advise you as to the best course of action.

Alcocks also offers Pest Control Services for commercial and industrial on a contractual basis. For more information on this service please contact our offices.

 

Wood Destroying Organisms Clearance

Clearance certificates for wood-destroying insects are commonly required for property transfers in the coastal provinces of South Africa

Banks often require entomological clearance certificates in areas with known woodborer problems before they will finance a property transaction. The sales agreement between seller and purchaser will normally include a clause that requires the seller to produce a valid Certificate of Clearance for Wood-destroying Insects.

What Pests are Involved

Only wood-destroying pests of economic significance are at issue. These can be divided into two broad groups, namely wood-destroying insects and wood-destroying fungi. Most property sales agreements require that only wood-destroying insects are reported and eradicated.

Ultimately, this means that we inspect for wood-destroying insects that have the potential to cause significant damage to dry seasoned timber. These insects fall into three broad categories - subterranean termites, drywood termites and beetles.

Not all termites and beetles can attack dry seasoned timber. The most common problem wood-destroying insects in Kwazulu Natal are:

• Natal Subterranean Termite - Macrotermes natalensis
• Natal Subterranean Termite - Macrotermes natalensis
• West Indian Drywood Termite - Cryptotermes brevis
• Common furniture beetle - Anobium punctatum
• Powder post beetle - Lyctus brunneus
• European house beetle - Hylotrupes bajulus

Meranti commonly has some minor damage by Pinhole Borer, but this dies out during the curing process and is not a threat to seasoned timber.

Wood Destroying Organisms FAQ

Every year thousands of homes (old and New) are attacked by woodborer beetles. Home purchasers need to know if these pests are present before investing their money therefore it is wise to have the property inspected by a representative of a licensed pest control company who can detect the presence of wood destroying pests and provide a Beetle inspection report accordingly.

Who orders the Inspection?

A pest Control firm may be selected by the seller or his agent’s financial institution, buyer or transferring attorney depending on the situation or established practice. A seller should be advised as to which company is executing the inspection and in some cases the seller may choose the service provider. In areas where woodborer beetle inspections are not a requirement, it is advisable that the purchaser obtain a report to establish if there are any potential problems.

Is the report for beetles only?

No – there are other wood destroying insects, including some species of termites. Beetles include Powder Post Beetle whose larvae feed in hard woods such as oak. This beetle is commonly found in our own Borer Belt that stretches from the Bluff, Glenwood and predominately Berea areas and pops up all over the older parts of Durban. Anobiid beetles are found in softwood like pine, Italian beetles are often found in old houses and another insect that is wide spread in Durban is the Cryptotermes brevis, a drywood termite which is thought to originate from the West Indies.

Are these insects found throughout RSA?

No – the distribution and occurrence of these insects is regional. Dry wood termites are localised to specific parts of South Africa. Subterranean termites are endemic throughout South Africa except for part of the Western Cape. Beetle infestations are fairly commonly found along the coastal areas, but do also occur inland. Inspections are essential in the coastal areas, and are a good practice inland. Beetles and drywood termites are often spread by infested furniture being moved from one area to another.

What does the inspection entail?

A Qualified representative from a licensed Pest Control Company will perform the Inspection. All visible and accessible areas of the structure are inspected and any evidence of infestation is reflected in a report. The clearance certificate does not guarantee that there is no infestation because it may be hidden in inaccessible areas.

What if evidence of an infestation is found?

The pest control company will recommend measures and appropriate treatment to control such pests. The costs pertaining thereto may vary to the type, locality significance or severity of infestation.

What happens if damage created by these pests is observed?

When beetle causes structural or loss of structural strength in timber, the timbers need to be replaced and/or treated depending on the “superficial” or “extensive” damage observed. Bearing in mind the Inspector is not a structural Engineer and will only report visible findings. Should such damage be reported, further expert consultation should be encouraged and pursued.

How do I select a Pest Control Company to inspect my property?

The pest control Inspection Industry is under siege with fraudulent certificates of clearance. Companies belonging to SAPCA (South African Pest Control Association) which is the national industry association, should be recommended and used. People should phone SAPCA to confirm membership and to check if that company has a registered, qualified Inspector.

Warranty?

Only qualified individuals will have access to the SAPCA Certificate which is underwritten and protected by a Fidelity Fund scheme for 90 days from the date of the issuing of a clearance certificate. The fund undertakes to ensure that any required treatment, should infestation be detected after this issuing shall be carried out without charge to the client.

SAPCA Contact information:

National Secretary: Lynette Cokayne 011 654 8038 info@sapca.org.za

KZN Regional Secretary: Sue Alcock 031 569 2996 info@alcocks.co.za