Mosquito & Midge Control

In South Africa, mosquitoes and midges are more than just a nuisance; they can disrupt your sleep, ruin time outdoors, and in some cases, pose genuine health risks. Whether it is the high-pitched whine or the itchy bites, these flying insects are persistent pests that require effective management.

Rentokil provides expert, safe, and reliable mosquito control solutions for homes and businesses. We combine global expertise with local knowledge to protect your property from infestations effectively.

While often grouped together due to their irritating habits, mosquitoes and midges have distinct lifecycles. Understanding their behaviour is critical to controlling them.

• Rapid Development: Mosquitoes can mature from eggs to adults in just six to ten days.
• Water Dependency: They require standing water to breed, making ponds, drains, and water features prime hotspots.
• Peak Activity: Most biting occurs at dawn and dusk when their internal biological clocks trigger feeding.

Effective control starts with knowing exactly what you are dealing with. Our SAPCA (South African Pest Control Association) certified technicians are trained to identify specific species—such as Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes mosquitoes, as well as biting midges—to ensure the correct treatment is applied.

Learn more about Mosquito Identification and Species

Prevention is always better than cure. While professional treatment is necessary for established infestations, you can make your property less attractive to pests by removing their breeding sites.

Quick tips to reduce mosquito numbers:

• Eliminate Standing Water: regularly empty items like watering cans, saucers under plant pots, and birdbaths.
• Secure Entry Points: Keep windows and doors closed after dark or install insect screens.
• Maintain Your Garden: Keep gutters clean and remove dead leaves that trap moisture.
• Cover Water Sources: Ensure rainwater tanks and water butts have tight

Effective mosquito control requires more than just a quick fix; it demands a strategic, science-led approach. At Rentokil, we utilise an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methodology. This ensures we don't just treat the symptoms (the flying mosquitoes) but address the root cause of the infestation to prevent recurrence.

Our SAPCA-certified technicians follow a rigorous four-step process to ensure your property remains protected:

We employ a range of advanced technologies and treatments to target mosquitoes at every stage of their lifecycle:

• Larviciding (Breeding Prevention): We apply specialist treatments to breeding sites like drains, ponds, and stagnant water features. This inhibits the development of mosquito larvae, stopping the problem before the insects can fly or bite.
• Thermal Fogging & ULV Misting: For immediate relief from heavy infestations, we use Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) misting or thermal fogging. This disperses minute droplets of insecticide to penetrate dense foliage and hard-to-reach areas where adult mosquitoes rest.
• Residual Spray Treatments: We apply long-lasting residual sprays to surfaces where mosquitoes land and rest. This provides continued protection for weeks after the initial treatment.
• Indoor & Outdoor Traps: We utilise innovative mosquito traps that attract and capture biting insects without the widespread use of chemicals, ideal for sensitive environments.

Mosquito control is a science. With over 50 years of experience in South Africa and a global network of entomologists, Rentokil leads the industry in safe, effective pest management.

• Certified Professionals: Every Rentokil technician is SAPCA-qualified and rigorously trained in pest biology and behaviour.
• Safety First: We strictly adhere to South African health and safety regulations. Our treatments are designed to be effective against pests while being safe for your family, pets, and the local ecosystem.
• Business Compliance: For commercial clients, our service documentation helps you meet strict audit standards and protects your brand reputation from the risks associated with vector-borne diseases.

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  What attracts mosquitoes to humans?

  Mosquitoes are primarily attracted to the carbon dioxide we exhale, as well as body heat and sweat. They can also be drawn to dark-coloured clothing and strong scents.

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  Are mosquitoes in South Africa dangerous?

  They can be. While many bites only cause irritation, certain species can transmit diseases such as Malaria. Professional control helps mitigate these risks.

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  How do professionals get rid of mosquitoes?

  Professional control involves a dual strategy: eliminating breeding sites (source reduction) to stop larvae, and using targeted treatments (such as fogging or residual sprays) to control adult populations.

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  Do you treat midges as well as mosquitoes?

  Yes. While midges are biologically different, many control methods—such as reducing moisture and applying residual treatments—are effective against both biting pests.