Yes, you can reach us around the clock. Our 24-hour line on 021 012 5825 takes pest emergencies and questions at any hour, and we can arrange emergency call-outs and after-hours treatments on request. Below are the emergencies we hear about most, with what to do while you wait.
Key takeaways
- The phone line is open 24 hours for advice and bookings. Office hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm, closed Sunday.
- Emergency call-outs and after-hours or weekend treatments can be arranged on request.
- Most night-time calls are about wasps, rodents brought in by cats, biting insects and spiders or scorpions.
- For each one there are simple, safe steps you can take before a technician arrives.
- If anyone has a severe reaction to a sting or bite, get medical help first and call us afterwards.
Why pests do not keep office hours
Cape Town's mild, changeable climate suits pests. Wet winters push rats and mice indoors looking for warm ceilings, while hot, windy summers bring wasps, fleas, flies and mosquitoes out in numbers. Many of the calls that feel most urgent come late at night or on a Sunday afternoon, when the family is home and actually notices the problem. Sometimes the most useful thing we can do is talk you through the next few hours so you can sleep, then book a proper visit.
Common pest emergencies and what to do
A wasp nest appears out of nowhere
This is a classic weekend call. Friends are over, the braai is going, and suddenly there are wasps everywhere because a nest has been building quietly under the eaves or in a shrub. The European paper wasp, which is invasive in the Western Cape, likes to nest under roof overhangs, pergolas and window frames close to where people sit.
Until we arrive:
- Move people, especially children and pets, indoors or away from the nest.
- Cover food and sweet drinks, and do not drink from open cans outside.
- Do not swat, spray or knock the nest down yourself. Disturbing it is what causes multiple stings.
- Keep windows near the nest closed.
Wasp stings are painful, and some people react badly. If someone has swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or feels faint after a sting, treat it as a medical emergency and get help immediately. Our wasp removal in Cape Town service handles the nest itself.
The cat brought in a rat or mouse
Cats are proud hunters and do not always finish the job. A live rat or mouse running loose in the bedroom at midnight is stressful, but it is manageable.
- Shut the cat and other pets out of the room.
- Close the bedroom door and put a rolled towel along the gap underneath.
- Open an outside door or window from that room if possible and leave quietly. Many rodents will find their own way out.
- Do not try to grab it with bare hands. Use thick gloves if you must handle anything.
- If it has hidden, a snap trap baited with a little peanut butter along the wall is safer than poison indoors.
One rodent brought in by a cat does not mean you have an infestation, but if you hear scratching in the ceiling as well, it is worth having the property checked. See rodent control.
Fleas or bed bugs biting at night
Summer is peak season for fleas and bed bugs. Bites can be itchy and some people have strong allergic reactions with large welts. Fleas usually bite around the ankles and lower legs and come from pets or from previous occupants' pets. Bed bugs tend to bite exposed skin while you sleep, often in lines or clusters.
- Strip the bed and wash linen on the hottest cycle the fabric allows, then tumble dry on high.
- Vacuum mattresses, carpets and pet bedding thoroughly and empty the vacuum outside.
- Check mattress seams and bed frames with a torch for small dark spots, shed skins or live bugs.
- Do not move to another bedroom to sleep if you suspect bed bugs, as this can spread them.
- Treat pets for fleas with a product from your vet.
Read more about flea control and bed bug control.
A big spider in the bathroom or a scorpion on the floor
For some people a large spider is a minor event. For anyone with a genuine phobia, it is an emergency, and we take that seriously. Rain spiders are large and alarming but generally harmless. Scorpions are less common indoors but do turn up in homes near open veld and mountain slopes.
- Keep children and pets away and keep an eye on where it goes.
- For a spider, place a glass over it, slide a piece of card underneath and release it outside.
- For a scorpion, do not handle it. Cover it with a sturdy container and wait for help, or send us a photo for identification.
- Shake out shoes and clothes left on the floor before putting them on.
If someone is stung by a scorpion or bitten by a spider and feels unwell, seek medical help. Our spider control and scorpion control pages explain longer-term treatment.
What happens when you call after hours
You will get practical advice on the spot. If the problem cannot wait, we can arrange an emergency call-out. If it can wait until morning, we will book you in for the next available slot. Our usual turnaround is around 48 hours, though this varies by season. Sending a photo on WhatsApp helps us identify the pest and bring the right equipment.
Peace of mind is part of the service
Most pest emergencies are not dangerous, but they are upsetting, and knowing someone will answer the phone makes a real difference. Save 021 012 5825 in your phone. Quotes are free, and our treatments come with a minimum 3-month guarantee. For an overview of everything we treat, see pest control in Cape Town.
Frequently asked questions
Is your pest control line really open 24 hours?
Yes. The 24-hour line on 021 012 5825 takes emergencies and questions at any time. Office hours for routine bookings are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm.
Can you come out at night or on a weekend?
Emergency call-outs and after-hours or weekend treatments can be arranged on request. We will tell you on the phone whether it needs a visit now or can wait for the next slot.
Should I spray a wasp nest myself while I wait?
No. Disturbing a nest is what usually leads to multiple stings. Keep people away from it, cover food and let a technician remove it.
What should I do if someone reacts badly to a sting or bite?
Get medical help immediately if there is swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing or faintness. Deal with the pest only once the person is safe.