To get rid of ants, use slow-acting ant baits near the trails so workers carry the bait back to the nest, clean up sugary spills, and seal entry points. To get rid of fishmoths, reduce humidity, store books and paper in dry places, clear clutter, and treat cupboards, skirting and bookshelves. A general pest control treatment deals with both at once.
Why do ants keep coming back?
The ants you see are only a small part of the colony. Spraying the trail kills those workers but the nest keeps sending more. Argentine ants, common in the Western Cape, form huge interconnected colonies, so baits that workers carry back to the nest work far better than sprays.
How to get rid of ants
- Find the trail and where it enters the house
- Place slow-acting ant bait near the trail and leave it undisturbed
- Wipe up sugary spills and keep food sealed
- Seal gaps around windows, doors and skirting
- Treat the outside perimeter if ants keep coming in
What are fishmoths?
Fishmoths (silverfish) are small, silvery, wingless insects that love damp, dark places. They feed on starch in paper, book bindings, wallpaper paste, clothing and cereals. They are especially common in humid coastal homes.
How to get rid of fishmoths
- Reduce humidity: ventilate bathrooms and fix leaks
- Store books, documents and clothing in dry places
- Declutter cupboards and storerooms
- Vacuum skirting, shelves and cupboards regularly
- Book a treatment for cupboards, skirting and bookshelves
Frequently asked questions
Are fishmoths harmful?
Fishmoths do not bite or spread disease, but they damage books, paper, clothing and stored food.
Why do I get ants after rain?
Heavy rain floods ant nests, driving them indoors to find dry shelter and food.
Does general pest control treat ants and fishmoths?
Yes. A general pest control or fumigation treatment covers ants, fishmoths and other common crawling insects.
Need help now? Cape Shield Fumigation offers general pest control across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Call or WhatsApp 066 575 0079.