Scarborough is a small, quiet village on the Atlantic side of the peninsula, wedged between fynbos-covered mountain and a wild stretch of beach. Many homes stand empty for weeks at a time, and pests make the most of that.
Birds around Scarborough
Gulls and swallows nest on decks and roof lines, and bird droppings can build up on balconies. Light proofing keeps them off key spots.
Homes range from older wooden holiday cottages and timber-clad houses to modern architect-designed places on the slopes. Some have thatch or exposed timber, and many have large decks. Holiday homes that sit closed up for long periods let rodents, fishmoths and cockroaches settle in without anyone noticing. Wood and damp sea air together put timber at risk.
The village borders Table Mountain National Park, with fynbos, rocky slopes and the Schusters River lagoon nearby. It's exposed to Atlantic mist, salt spray and strong winds, and winters are wet and cold. Wildlife from the park, including baboons, is part of life here, and damp conditions suit fishmoths and wood beetles.
Signs to look for
- Tiny mites crawling on walls or bedding near a nest site.
- Twigs, grass and feathers sticking out from under roof tiles or panels.
- Blocked gutters and downpipes full of nesting material.
- A sour smell around a roof area where birds have been nesting for a long time.
- Droppings building up on ledges, walls, windowsills or under solar panels.
Pigeon droppings are acidic, mark paintwork and roofing, and become slippery underfoot on walkways. Accumulated droppings and old nests can carry fungi and bacteria, and cleaning them up dry raises dust you do not want to breathe. Nests block gutters and cause water damage when winter rains back up into the roof. When birds leave a nest, their bird mites often wander indoors looking for a new host, which leads to itchy bites.
Something most people miss
For landlords and body corporates, pigeon problems become a tenant complaint quickly. Proofing the common areas once beats cleaning them every week.
Bird mites are the hidden side of nesting birds. When the chicks fledge, the mites go looking for a meal and sometimes find the people inside.
How the treatment works
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
- Fit mesh skirting around new solar panels at installation, before birds discover the gap.
- 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.
- Close off broken air vents, missing tiles and open eaves as soon as you notice them.
- Clean gutters before winter, and check for nesting material at the same time.
What affects the price
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.
Questions we get asked in Scarborough
Will netting be visible?
Bird netting is fine and usually black or clear, so from the ground it is hard to see once it is fitted.
Is my timber-clad house in Scarborough at risk of wood borer?
Damp sea air makes timber more vulnerable, so it's worth an inspection every few years. Catching borer early is far cheaper than replacing boards.
Can you do commercial buildings?
Yes, a lot of our bird proofing is shops, warehouses and blocks of flats where droppings affect staff and customers.
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 Scarborough for bird proofing?
Yes. Scarborough is part of our regular South Peninsula route, along with Kommetjie, Ocean View, Simon's Town. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Can you check my Scarborough holiday home while I'm away?
Yes, we can arrange visits by appointment and send photos and a report. Many owners book a check before the holiday season starts.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254