Durbanville is close to our Brackenfell base, and you really see the difference here between the old village streets and the newer estates on the hills.
Biting insects around Durbanville
The suburb runs up into the hills, with the Durbanville wine valley and wheat farms on its northern and eastern edges.
The old village core has older freestanding homes with big gardens and established trees, while the hills are lined with security estates, townhouse complexes and large family homes. Estates with shared gardens and water features need coordinated treatment. Shopping centres, restaurants and schools add a strong commercial side.
Something most people miss
Many people believe bird mites will infest them permanently. They cannot breed on humans and die off within weeks without a bird host, which is reassuring, but they will keep biting until the source is removed.
Removing birds but leaving their nest behind is one of the most common mistakes. The empty nest is precisely what sends the mites looking for a new host, often you.
How to tell you have a problem
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
How the treatment works
The single most important step is finding and removing the nest, because treating the bedroom while the source remains in the roof only gives temporary relief. Our technician goes into the roof void and around the eaves and gutters, bags and removes nesting material, and treats the nest site and surrounding timbers with a residual spray or insecticidal dust. Inside, we treat the affected rooms with a light residual spray along skirting, window frames, light fittings and around ceiling penetrations where the mites come through. We then recommend or carry out bird proofing, such as closing gaps with mesh or fitting spikes or netting, so new birds cannot move into the same spot. Because a few mites may emerge in the days after, we check back if symptoms continue.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our bird mite control service works.
Stopping a repeat visit
- Keep chicken coops well away from the house and treat them for mites regularly if you keep poultry.
- Watch your roofline in spring; if you see pigeons or mynas going in and out of a gap, have it dealt with before they lay eggs.
- Fit mesh or plastic closures under the first row of roof tiles and over gaps in fascia boards.
- Check air conditioning units, satellite dishes and solar panels, which create sheltered ledges birds love.
- Keep gutters clean so birds are not encouraged to build nests in them.
How much will it cost?
The price depends mainly on how many nests there are, how easy the roof void and eaves are to get into, and how many rooms need treating inside. Bird proofing work such as mesh or spikes is quoted separately depending on the length of roofline and the materials needed. We give a free quote after inspection, and photos of the roofline sent via WhatsApp help us prepare.
In Cape Town, pigeons can breed almost all year, but mynas, sparrows and starlings nest most heavily from late winter through spring and early summer. Bird mite complaints usually peak a few weeks after the chicks leave the nest, which tends to be in spring and early summer. Warm weather also speeds up the mites' activity, so problems are most noticeable in the hotter months.
Frequently asked questions
Can bird mites live on me?
No, they cannot complete their life cycle on people and will die off within a few weeks without a bird host. They will keep biting while they search, which is why removing the nest is so important.
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Yes, you can stay. We will ask you to keep out of treated rooms until surfaces are dry, usually for a few hours.
Should I see a doctor about the bites?
If the bites become infected or you have a strong reaction, yes. Tell the doctor about the bird nest, as this helps them rule out other causes.
Do I need to remove the nest if the birds have already gone?
Yes. An empty nest is exactly when the mites go looking for new hosts, and the old nest also feeds other insects.
Can you stop pigeons nesting under my solar panels in Durbanville?
Yes. We can fit mesh around the edges of the panels so pigeons can no longer get underneath.
Do you come out to Durbanville for bird mite control?
Yes. Durbanville is part of our regular Northern Suburbs route, along with Bellville, Kraaifontein, Brackenfell, Plattekloof. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
