Whether you are living in bustling Jozi, slow Stellenbosch or rural Ixopo, you may be unwillingly sharing your space with unwanted little critters.

You don't like it, your cat hates the mozzie screen and we're all one clap away from injuring ourselves.

Don't threat, here’s a quick guide to dealing with the most common household pests in South Africa.

• Sugar Ants
• Flies 
• Cockroaches
• Drain Flies
• Mosquitos
• Rats and Mice
• Bats

Most Common Household Pests in South Africa

Here are the the top South African "boere raad" DIY tips you need to solve your pesky problems. Don't worry, at the end we'll also share where you can buy the stronger stuff... just give the natural ones a try first.

1. Sugar Ants

Sugar ants (the tiny black ants) may be small but they can be a massive nuisance! These food-seeking critters are experts of infiltration and quickly turn your kitchen into their all you can eat buffet.

When it comes to dealing with ants, prevention is always better than cure.

• Keep all surfaces dry and clean.

• Ensure you store your sugar and sweets in airtight containers.

• Wipe your surfaces down with a water and vinegar solution.

• Put natural deterrents like cinnamon or bay leaves at entry points.

2. Flies

If you live in the warm parts of South Africa (which is everywhere if we’re being honest) then you’re as good at swatting flies as Serena Williams is at swatting tennis balls!

It really is a pastime in South Africa.

To get rid of flies:

• Install fly screens on windows and doors to keep them out.

• Keep rubbish bins clean and sealed.

• Consider natural repellants like basil plants to keep the flies at bay.

Don’t be one of those people with fly tape hanging from the walls… it’s not very feng shui.

3. Cockroaches

Whether you are dealing with the smaller, indoor-loving German Cockroaches, or their larger American cousins that love damp, dark areas, you have to deal with them immediately because they reproduce rapidly!

How to tell the difference between German and American cockroaches? There is the more formal approach by identifying them, but we mostly get the German ones in South Africa – shizer.

But if you want to make sure… German cockroaches are smaller (about 1.3-1.6 cm), light brown with two dark stripes on their thorax, while American cockroaches are larger (about 4-5 cm), reddish-brown, and often have a yellowish edge around their head shield.) but

• Gel baits are the most effective and pet friendly option.

• Fix any water leaks.

• Seal your food in airtight containers.

4. Drain Flies

Saw tiny moth-like creatures around your sink? They might look disgusting, but they are practically harmless.

To keep them away:

• Clean your drain regularly with drain cleaning products or vinegar.

• Pour boiling water down your drains.

• Fix any moisture issues in your bathroom and kitchen.

5. Mosquitos

Mozzies aren’t just irritating, they can be dangerous in high-risk Malaria areas like the Kruger National Park, parts of Limpopo and northern KwaZulu Natal.

While coastal areas and urban cities aren't high risk, you might still want to get rid of mosquitos. Because let’s face it, there is NOTHING more irritating than a buzzing mosquito just as you’re dozing off.

Here are some local tips and products you can try:

• Apply insect repellent like Peaceful Sleep so you can get some, well, peaceful sleep!

• Treat bites with Anthisan cream - which is available at your nearest pharmacy.

• Use mosquito nets.

• Eliminate any standing water around your home. Any accumulated water can become a breeding ground.

6. Rats and Mice

Seeing little bite marks in your pantry, or droppings around your home means you have a rat or mouse problem! Rats and mice are dangerous because they not only destroy your house and food, but they bring diseases too!

There are many pest control options when it comes to rodents, but not all of them are safe.

• Poison is highly effective, but can be dangerous to pets, wildlife and even you and your family. Make sure you use them safely and go for “greener” options where possible.

• Consider owl and pet friendly options like traps with a one way door. Don’t use the glue traps, it’s just not cool.

• Seal entry points to prevent rats from coming in.

• Keep your home clutter free and clean with your food sealed.

7. Bats

Contrary to their bad PR, bats are actually not pests because they help with pest control. So we thought we’d give them a helping hand by sharing some local knowledge.

Instead of killing bats:

• Close entrance points after they leave.

• Consider installing a bat house to give them a home that’s not your roof and even encourage natural pest control. Win win.

Still struggling? Here’s where you can buy pest control products

For a wide range of premium pest control products, visit Builder’s Warehouse. They stock all the big local brands with highly effective products and their store staff get training to provide more information and the right recommendations. You can also get more budget friendly “no-name” options from your local Checkers.

Finally, if, like the pests, you enjoy being in the comfort of your home, you can shop a variety of options from Takealot.com.

If your pest problems persist even after these DIY options - it’s time to call the pros, especially if you are dealing with extensive damage and health risks.

When is it time to move?

Pets generally don’t call for moving, however, maybe you just moved into a place and you discovered it’s infested, or you just can’t deal with the heat and flies in Centurion and you want to move to Cape Town. Moving is then a definite option.

Let Wise Move help you ditch the pests and find the professionals – professional movers that is.

With an easy online form, you can be booked to move in no time.