Newlands sits on the wet side of Table Mountain under big oaks and pines, and that moisture drives a lot of what we see here.
The local picture in Newlands
Bird mites can appear if pigeons or mynas nest in gutters and roof gaps.
Newlands is one of the wettest suburbs in Cape Town, with Newlands Forest and the Table Mountain National Park slopes right above it and the Liesbeek running through. Winter rain is heavy and long, and many properties stay shaded and damp for months. Mountain streams and forest edges bring wildlife close to gardens.
There is a real mix: large older homes on generous plots, Newlands Village cottages, newer cluster homes and apartment blocks closer to Main Road and the sports grounds. Many of the older houses have timber floors, wooden ceilings and roof spaces that stay cool and damp.
What gives them away
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
From the technician
In flats and sectional title complexes, nests on a shared roof are usually a body corporate matter. Raising it early with the managing agent avoids months of bites for the top-floor units.
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.
How we handle bird mite control in Newlands
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.
- Find the nest
We inspect the roof void, eaves, gutters and air conditioning units for active or abandoned bird nests.
- Rule out rodents
Rat and mouse nests cause similar bites, so we check for rodent activity at the same time.
- Remove nest material
Nests and debris are bagged and taken away rather than left in the roof.
- Treat source and rooms
The nest site, nearby timbers and affected rooms are treated with residual products.
- Bird proofing
Gaps are closed or protected with mesh, spikes or netting so birds cannot nest there again.
- Report and follow-up
You receive a report with photos where possible, and we follow up if symptoms persist.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Keep chicken coops well away from the house and treat them for mites regularly if you keep poultry.
- Do not feed pigeons near the house, as a reliable food supply keeps them nesting on your roof.
- 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.
- Fit mesh or plastic closures under the first row of roof tiles and over gaps in fascia boards.
What affects the price
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.
Spraying the bedroom yourself might bring some relief, but it will not fix anything while the nest stays in the roof. Getting into roof voids and handling nests full of droppings and mites is not pleasant or particularly safe without the right protection. Our opinion is that this is one problem worth handing over, because the fix is mainly about finding and removing the source.
Questions we get asked in Newlands
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.
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.
How do I know it is bird mites and not bed bugs?
Bird mites are tiny and fast and are often seen near windows and ceilings, while bed bugs are larger and hide in beds. Recent bird activity on the roof is a strong clue, and we can check both.
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.
Will you stop the birds coming back?
We can close gaps and fit mesh, spikes or netting depending on the building. Without proofing, new birds will often use the same spot next season.
Do you come out to Newlands for bird mite control?
Yes. Newlands is part of our regular Southern Suburbs route, along with Claremont, Rondebosch, Bishopscourt, Harfield Village. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
