Are you insured against monkey business?

Make sure you’re covered for when the wildlife goes ape.

Making sure that your insurance policies cover you against most risk scenarios is not always an easy task. For instance, does your cover extend to damage caused by wild baboons or monkeys? As urban development in South Africa continues to encroach on natural habitats and many regions face extended droughts and water shortages, residents from the suburbs to city centres are increasingly finding unexpected guests on their properties, and even inside their homes: wild baboons and monkeys.

Wild baboons and monkeys can become a real nuisance. Worse, they can cause thousands of Rands’ worth of damage to home interiors, structures like outbuildings and gardens. To top it all off, some insurers are cheeky enough to include exclusion clauses and won’t compensate you for losses, damages and costs associated with such damage.

Luckily we know all about this monkey business and will help advise you on obtaining adequate cover.

South Africa in general is known for its natural beauty and splendour. Rolling grasslands, the vastness of the Karoo, dramatic mountain facades and sweeping coastal landscapes are home to an incredible array of wildlife. One that seems to thrive in almost all of these habitats is the baboon.

As we become ever-closer neighbours, spatial overlap puts us as humans in competition with baboons and monkeys for resources. Environmental factors also have increasingly adverse effects on naturally available food and water sources.

It’s not really a competition for humans though, as we tend to take what we want. And as baboons and monkeys become more brazen and accustomed to the presence of humans, it’s not really a competition for them either… from a baboon’s perspective humans mean food. And it’s in our homes.

It is illegal to feed, injure or kill baboons under the Cape Nature Conservation Laws Amendment Act of 2000. Should you suffer from a baboon insurgence in your area, contact your local municipality – they will lodge the matter with the relevant nature preservation authority who will attempt to resolve the problem. This is often done by removing the dominant male from the pack, or even using paint guns as a deterrent (which also creates jobs).

There are other practical measures you can take to safeguard your property.

• Latch your windows and doors. One of the best ways of keeping baboons and monkeys out of your home is to stop them from gaining entry through your windows and doors in the first place. There are ingenious products on the market that allow you to leave your doors and windows ajar and unattended. You enjoy fresh air and natural light, but openings are closed enough and locked, so baboons and monkeys can’t get in.
• Have the hose ready. Baboons do not like water, which makes it a handy, inexpensive, yet effective deterrent. Use the garden hose or a big water gun to spray baboons from a safe distance. If you squirt them before they enter your property, it might deter them from future raids.
• Do the electric slide. If your budget allows, electric fencing is a buzzing good way to protect your property from not only potential criminals, but also plundering baboons and monkeys. Be sure to charge the correct current and have the fencing installed professionally so you don’t compromise on efficacy or safety.
• Monkey-proof your bins. Baboons and monkeys will be attracted by your organic kitchen- and household waste. Their highly developed sense of smell may lure them onto your property in search of tasty treats you’ve discarded. Separate your organic waste into a separate, inaccessible container and baboons are more likely to try the garbage take-away next door.
• Padlock everything. This may seem a bit excessive, but we know that baboons are smart, have very nimble fingers (and toes), and can open unlocked doors, cupboards, drawers and bins with ease. Make it as difficult as possible for baboons and monkeys to access anything. If they can’t access the treats in store, they probably won’t waste their time trying again.

Never corner a baboon or confront it in close proximity. They are not intimidated by humans, they are strong, confrontational and can be dangerous. Should you find yourself face to snout with a baboon, stay still and try to remain calm. Try to be confident and back away slowly. Never attempt snatching anything back from a thieving baboon. Safety is another reason why it is better to try and keep them away from your property from the start. Implementing these practical deterrents should provide a measure of protection and peace of mind.

There are more online resources regarding baboons and monkeys. Visit the Baboon Matters website or Facebook page, and the Monkey Helpline website or Facebook page.

Don’t let baboons and the damage they can cause be a monkey on your back. Do what you can to minimise potential damage, and contact us (internal link to relevant email address) to make sure that you’re covered against monkey business.