Manenberg is a busy Cape Flats community of council flats and family homes off Duinefontein Road. Lots of people share buildings and courtyards here, so our work leans towards block-level treatments and practical advice that every household can follow.
The local picture in Manenberg
Pigeons roost on flat roofs and stairwells, and their droppings attract mites. Netting stairwell openings keeps them out.
The three-storey blocks of flats, known locally as courts, share stairwells, walls and roof spaces, which lets cockroaches and rodents move between units easily. Semi-detached and row houses fill the rest of the area, many with backyard rooms. Ground-floor flats near refuse areas see more rat activity.
Rats and German cockroaches are the main problems, followed by bed bugs and fleas. Flies gather around bins in hot weather. Mosquitoes breed in standing water after rain.
Signs to look for
- Cooing, scratching or flapping in the roof space or behind the gutters early in the morning.
- Twigs, grass and feathers sticking out from under roof tiles or panels.
- Droppings building up on ledges, walls, windowsills or under solar panels.
- A sour smell around a roof area where birds have been nesting for a long time.
- Tiny mites crawling on walls or bedding near a nest site.
Worth knowing
When we survey a building, the first thing we look for is where the droppings land. That tells us the roost spot, which is often not where the owner thinks it is.
How we handle bird proofing in Manenberg
We start by watching where the birds actually land and nest, because proofing the wrong ledge is a waste of money. Ledges and beams get bird spikes or tensioned wire systems that stop birds settling. Larger open areas such as courtyards, loading bays and light wells get bird netting fixed to a frame so birds cannot get in at all. Gaps under solar panels and roof tiles are closed with mesh or panel skirting so pigeons cannot nest underneath. Old nests and droppings are removed first, and if bird mites are present we treat the area as well.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our bird proofing service works.
Stopping a repeat visit
- Keep refuse bins closed and clean up spilt food around outdoor eating areas.
- Deal with the first nest quickly. Pigeons that breed on a site get attached to it.
- Do not feed pigeons near your home or business. A reliable food source keeps them coming back.
- Fit mesh skirting around new solar panels at installation, before birds discover the gap.
- Clean gutters before winter, and check for nesting material at the same time.
How much will it cost?
The cost depends on how many areas need proofing, how high they are and how much access equipment is needed. Netting a large courtyard or a warehouse roof is a bigger job than spiking a few ledges. Clean-out of heavy droppings and any mite treatment are included in the free quote once we have done the site survey.
Pigeons breed throughout the year in Cape Town, so proofing is a year-round job. We see a rush in late winter and spring when birds start nesting heavily, and again before the winter rains when people find their gutters blocked.
Frequently asked questions
Can you stop pigeons nesting under my solar panels?
Yes. We clean out the nests and fit mesh skirting around the panel edges so birds cannot get underneath.
Can you help a whole court with a rat problem?
Yes. We can set up bait stations around the block, proof ground-floor entry points and advise residents on keeping bin areas clean.
Do you use poison on pigeons?
No. Bird proofing is about physical exclusion, which is safer and lasts longer than trying to kill birds.
Do you come out to Manenberg for bird proofing?
Yes. Manenberg is part of our regular Cape Flats route, along with Hanover Park, Gugulethu, Athlone, Philippi. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Why do cockroaches keep coming back to my flat in Manenberg?
Because they live in the shared walls, ducts and neighbouring units, so they reinfest a single treated flat. Treating several flats in the court together stops them coming straight back.
Do bird spikes hurt the birds?
No. The spikes are blunt and simply stop birds from landing comfortably. They move somewhere else.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254