Pest control in Pierre van Ryneveld is dominated by termites, both the harvester termites that strip lawns and the subterranean kind that attack timber, along with mice from the veld, ants, moles and fleas. Combat Pest Control serves this Centurion-area suburb from Johannesburg, and we treat lawns, homes and new building sites, including soil treatment before slabs are cast.
A suburb surrounded by grassland
Pierre van Ryneveld lies on the eastern side of Centurion, near Irene and next to the Waterkloof Air Force Base, and takes its name from the founder of the South African Air Force. It is a family suburb of houses on decent stands, newer extensions and townhouse complexes, and there is still a lot of open Highveld grassland around it.
That grassland is the story. Natural veld is full of termite colonies, and when it's turned into gardens, the colonies simply carry on underneath. Harvester termites come up into lawns, subterranean termites look for timber, mice move between the veld and the houses, and moles tunnel through soft, watered soil. Summer storms trigger the ants and the flying termites; dry winters bring out the harvesters.
The pests that matter most
Harvester termites
The most common call we get here. In late autumn and winter, harvester termites cut grass and carry it underground, leaving small open holes, loose soil and bare, sandy patches. A kikuyu lawn can be stripped in weeks. Treating the open holes lets foraging workers take the product underground to the colony; after that, a few weeks of watering and fertiliser bring the grass back.
Subterranean termites
These are the ones that damage buildings. They travel in mud tubes and eat roof timbers, door frames, skirting boards and the backs of built-in cupboards. Wooden decks, pergolas and timber stored in the garage are often where they start. Our page on termite control on the Highveld explains the treatment for existing homes.
Mice
Field mice move into garages, storerooms and roof spaces when the veld dries out and the nights get colder. Lockable bait stations outside and traps indoors deal with them, and sealing gaps under garage doors stops new ones.
Ants
Ant colonies in lawns and beds send trails indoors before rain. We bait so the workers take the treatment home.
Moles
Raised ridges and soil heaps in a watered lawn usually mean a mole or mole-rat, not insects. They need a different approach entirely.
Fleas
Dogs on grassy stands bring fleas, which breed in the soil and bedding where the dogs sleep. Yard, house and pets are treated together.
Building or extending? Treat the soil first
With so many termite colonies in the ground, new houses and extensions here should have the soil treated before the slab goes down. A pre-construction soil treatment creates a barrier under the foundations and floor. If the job is retrofitting protection around an existing building, that is soil poisoning around the perimeter instead. Our soil poisoning service explains both, and we issue a certificate for the work.
What we do on a visit
We walk the lawn and garden, look along the foundations and paving, check decks, pergolas, the garage and built-in cupboards, and go into the roof where we can. That tells us whether we're dealing with harvesters, subterranean termites or both. Treatments are odourless and won't stain paving, and you can stay at home throughout. Keep kids and pets off treated lawns until they're dry.
The common mistake
Laying new sods over a lawn that harvester termites have stripped, without treating first. The new grass is exactly what the colony wants, and it will be gone in a few weeks. Treat first, then repair.
A Pierre van Ryneveld tip
Water your lawn lightly through the winter if you can. Harvester termites go for dry, stressed grass, and a lawn that stays a little green is much less attractive to them. Keep a few bricks or a gap between soil and any timber, too: decks and pergolas resting directly on the ground are an open invitation.
What it costs and why
A harvester termite lawn treatment is fairly modest, depending on the size of the lawn and the number of active areas. Subterranean termite treatment for an existing house costs more and depends on the perimeter and how much paving we need to drill. Pre-construction soil treatment is priced on the slab area. Mice, ants and fleas depend on the size of the property. You'll find starting prices in our pest control price guide, and we'll confirm after the inspection.
Pierre van Ryneveld sits next to Irene and is part of greater Centurion. Everything else we do is on the Johannesburg pest control page.
We are registered with SAPCA and the Department of Agriculture, have spent 25 years in pest control and offer service within 24 hours. Termite work is backed by a 5-year guarantee and a certificate; general treatments by a 3-month guarantee. Call 084 200 2700, or WhatsApp a photo of the lawn or the mud tubes.
Questions we get asked
How much does it cost to treat termites in my lawn?
A harvester termite treatment is fairly modest. The price depends on the size of the lawn and how many active areas there are. We quote after looking.
Will harvester termites damage my house?
No. Harvester termites eat grass, not timber. It is subterranean termites that damage buildings, which is why we identify the species first.
Do I need soil treatment before building an extension?
Yes, it is strongly recommended. The new section's foundations need their own treatment, or it becomes a route for termites into the existing house.
How long does a termite treatment last?
You get a 5-year guarantee and a treatment certificate with our termite work. Paving or building over the treated zone later can open a gap, so let us know about changes.
Is it safe for my children to play on the lawn after treatment?
Yes, once it has dried. Keep children and pets off the treated area until then.
Why do I get mice every winter?
As the surrounding veld dries out and nights cool, field mice move into garages and roofs. Sealing gaps under doors and keeping stored items off the floor helps.