Estate Living Magazine Develop - Issue 44 August 2019 | Page 21

I N V E S T & d e v e l O P usually aggressive, can be extremely dangerous if cornered. But, says Taylor, it’s not always humans who are at risk. ‘Although pests can cause problems for home owners, and for indigenous wildlife, some methods of pest control have severe negative consequences in the form of ground, water and air pollution, or even indirect poisoning of people and wildlife. It is therefore important that developers and home owners take a balanced and considered approach to pest control, taking into account all knock-on effects of each control method, and weighing up all costs and benefits. It is always preferable to go for prevention rather than cure, and there are many alternative, less harmful pest control techniques available.’ Delsink concurs, emphasising that, with a little bit of research, it’s possible to live in harmony with nature rather than fighting against it. ‘For example, bats and owls are extremely efficient at keeping pesky rodents in check, and their presence can enhance an estate’s ecosystem considerably. It’s worth contacting a company like EcoSolutions, which can install and maintain owl boxes or bat hotels at the correct height to ensure that they are not in danger from cats and other small predators.’ Delsink also recommends, placing beehives on estates, as these will improve plant and animal life while providing a home for bees. But that will only work if you have sufficient space. In some cases, wild bees may create a nest in an inconvenient – or even dangerous – area, in which they case they may need to be removed. In situations like this, it’s best to contact a beekeeper, who can safely and efficiently capture the bees, and transfer them to a place where they will be more than welcome. problem include restricting access by sealing all holes in walls and ceilings, and filling any gaps under external doors. It’s also a good idea to keep plants away from open windows – that way, there’s nothing to give agile primates a leg up. WHO TO CALL Lisa Witepski • EcoSolutions – [email protected] For bats, rats and owls • Johannesburg Wildlife Vet – [email protected] All species • Friends of Free Wildlife, Margie Brocklehurst [email protected] – All species • Michael Adams – [email protected] For reptiles and amphibians. N McDonald adds that the monkeys rarely present a real threat to human safety, although they do tend to be a little boisterous. ‘They seem more likely to follow women and children, perhaps because they can sense that they are more nervous. Our advice is to back away slowly if you see a monkey or, if you’re scared, to make sure that you don’t walk alone. You can also spray the animals with a hose if you feel they are too close.’ Of course, an adult male baboon is a different matter – they can weigh up to 50-odd kilos and, while not ‘If all else fails, it’s best to call a professional to come and assist you to remove the trouble-makers,’ Taylor concludes. This is also why effective waste management is a must. Says Taylor: ‘Accessible waste products are one of the main reasons baboons and monkeys are attracted to estates. Keeping the property clean and tidy, and ensuring that bins and other waste receptacles are sealed and inaccessible to animals, will go a long way to relieving pest issues.’ Delsink recommends storing refuse bags in a locked, caged area, or investing in primate-proof bins. Worried about snakes? McDonald says that Brettenwood’s way of dealing with this issue has centred on training security officers on how to remove the reptiles, so that they can be relocated in an area of the estate that is far from residences.