Pest control in Olivedale mostly involves the pests that thrive in complexes: ants along shared foundations, German cockroaches moving between kitchens, mice in the roof space, fleas in units with pets, and bird mites from pigeon and myna nests under roof tiles. We treat individual homes and whole complexes, and we explain how to stop the problem returning.
What Olivedale is like
Olivedale lies in the northern part of Randburg, close to Northgate and the shopping and business area around it. Most of it was developed from the 1980s onwards, so the housing is younger than in central Randburg: plenty of townhouse complexes, cluster homes and some security estates, with freestanding family homes in between. There's a fair amount of retail and office space on the main roads.
Complex living has clear advantages, but it also means shared roofs, shared walls, shared gardens and a shared bin area. Pests use all of them. A problem that starts in one unit rarely stays there.
The pests we deal with most in Olivedale
Ants
Ants are the single most common call. They nest under paving and in the foundations, then appear in kitchens, bathrooms and even inside plug points, especially in the build-up to the summer rains. Baiting the colony works; spraying the line of ants makes them scatter and set up new nests. Our ant control in Johannesburg page explains the species.
German cockroaches
These arrive in grocery boxes, appliances and second-hand furniture and spread through shared plumbing. Gel bait placed in cracks, hinges and appliance motors gets rid of them without the mess and smell of spraying.
Mice in the roof
Complex roofs are often one continuous space over several units. Mice that get in at one end can travel the length of the block. We bait around the outside, trap inside and look for the entry gap, which is often at the garage or the top of a wall.
Fleas
Fleas build up quickly in units with dogs or cats, and new owners often inherit them from a previous occupant's pets. Treating the floors, the garden and the animals on the same day is what works. See our flea control for Randburg homes.
Bird mites
Tiny, fast-moving mites crawling on walls, beds and bathroom ceilings, and itchy bites with no obvious cause, often trace back to a bird's nest under the roof tiles or in the eaves. When the chicks leave, the mites go looking for a new host. We remove the nest, treat the area and advise on closing the gap. More on bird mite control in Randburg.
Our approach
For a single home we inspect the inside and outside, identify the pest and the way in, then treat: baits for ants and cockroaches, bait stations and traps for mice, residual treatments for fleas, nest removal and treatment for bird mites. For a complex, we prefer to look at the common property as well, because the source is often in a shared garden, roof or bin room. Treatments are odourless and won't stain. You won't need to leave home; just keep pets and children off treated surfaces until they're dry.
What to do before we arrive
- For ants or cockroaches, clear the cupboards under the sink and wipe down counters, but don't spray anything for a day or two beforehand.
- For fleas, vacuum thoroughly and book the pets' own flea treatment for the same day.
- For bird mites, don't try to pull out the nest yourself; it scatters more mites into the house.
- Tell the body corporate if you think the problem is coming from common property.
The mistake people often make
Treating bird mite bites as a bed bug problem. People strip beds, buy new mattresses and spray bedrooms, but the mites keep coming from the nest in the roof. Finding and removing the nest is the fix.
An Olivedale tip
Look along the edge of your roof for gaps under the first row of tiles or at the end of the ridge. Pigeons and mynas nest there in complex roofs, and once the gap is closed with bird-proofing mesh, the bird mite problem doesn't come back.
What it costs and why
A townhouse or cluster usually costs less to treat than a large freestanding home, and the pest makes a difference too: ants and cockroaches are routine, while fleas and bird mites need more work on the first visit. Body corporates that treat several units together get better value per unit. Guide "from" prices are shown on every page, and you can see them all on our Johannesburg price guide.
Olivedale is part of our Randburg pest control service; neighbouring Northriding is covered on its own page.
Owner Jason van Heerden has run Combat Pest Control with 25 years of experience. We are SAPCA registered and registered with the Department of Agriculture (Act 36), and we offer service within 24 hours. General treatments come with a 3-month guarantee. Phone 084 200 2700, or WhatsApp us a photo of the insect you're finding.
Questions we get asked
How much does it cost to treat a townhouse in Olivedale?
Usually less than a large house, depending on the pest. Ants and cockroaches are routine; fleas and bird mites take more work. Our price page lists guide prices, and we confirm after an inspection.
What are the tiny mites biting me at night?
If they're on walls and ceilings as well as the bed, and there's a bird nest in the roof, they're probably bird mites. Removing the nest and treating the area solves it.
Can our body corporate book a whole-complex treatment?
Yes. Treating common property and several units together is more effective and better value than treating one unit at a time.
Is flea treatment safe for my cat?
Yes, when used correctly. Keep your cat off treated floors until they're dry, and treat the cat itself with a vet-approved product.
Why do ants come out of my plug points?
Ants nest in wall cavities and follow electrical conduits. Baits placed near their trail let workers take the poison back to the nest inside the wall.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes. If the pest we treated comes back within 3 months, we come back.