course, an adult male baboon is a different cats and other small predators.’ Delsink also
matter – they can weigh up to 50-odd kilos recommends, placing beehives on estates,
and, while not usually aggressive, can be as these will improve plant and animal life
extremely dangerous if cornered. But, says while providing a home for bees. But that
Taylor, it’s not always humans who are at risk. will only work if you have sufficient space.
‘Although pests can cause problems for home In some cases, wild bees may create a nest
owners, and for indigenous wildlife, some in an inconvenient – or even dangerous –
methods of pest control have severe negative area, in which they case they may need to
consequences in the form of ground, water be removed. In situations like this, it’s best
and air pollution, or even indirect poisoning of to contact a beekeeper, who can safely and
people and wildlife. efficiently capture the bees, and transfer
them to a place where they will be more than
It is therefore important that developers and
welcome.
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
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.
‘If all else fails, it’s best to call a professional
to come and assist you to remove the trouble-
makers,’ Taylor concludes.
59
INDUSTRY JOURNAL
WHO TO CALL
• EcoSolutions – [email protected]
For bats, rats and owls
• Johannesburg Wildlife Vet – jhbsmallwildlife@
gmail.com
All species
• Friends of Free Wildlife, Margie Brocklehurst
[email protected]
All species
• Michael Adams –
[email protected]