St James is a narrow strip of grand old houses squeezed between the mountain and False Bay, best known for its colourful bathing boxes and tidal pool. With the mountain right behind and the sea in front, homes deal with damp, wind and wildlife all year.
Birds in St James: what we see
Gulls and pigeons roost on rooftops and verandas near the coast. Spikes and netting keep them off balconies and ledges.
Many homes are large Edwardian and Victorian houses on steep plots, with timber floors, wooden verandas and big roof spaces. There are also flats and newer homes higher up the slope. Steep sites, terraced gardens and stone retaining walls give rodents and spiders lots of hiding places. Old timber and damp sea air create ideal conditions for fishmoths and wood borer.
The suburb sits at the foot of the mountain in Table Mountain National Park, with the Main Road and railway line running along the coast. Sea spray, damp winters and the South-Easter in summer all play a part. Wildlife from the mountain, including baboons and rodents, comes right down to the gardens.
Rats and mice from the mountain slopes are the biggest problem, with fishmoths and wood borer close behind. Ants and spiders are common in summer, and gulls and pigeons are regular around the coast.
From the technician
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 to tell you have a problem
- Birds regularly perching in the same spots over doorways or walkways.
- A sour smell around a roof area where birds have been nesting for a long time.
- 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.
Our process, step by step
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.
Prevention that actually works
- 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.
- Do not feed pigeons near your home or business. A reliable food source keeps them coming back.
- Deal with the first nest quickly. Pigeons that breed on a site get attached to it.
- Fit mesh skirting around new solar panels at installation, before birds discover the gap.
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.
A few spikes on a low windowsill is a fine DIY job. Netting and solar panel proofing at height is not, both for safety and because poorly tensioned netting sags, traps birds and ends up looking messy. I would rather do it once and do it properly.
Frequently asked questions
Can you inspect my old St James home for wood borer before I sell?
Yes, we inspect floors, roof timbers and verandas and give you a written report. Many sales need a beetle certificate, so book early.
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 St James for bird proofing?
Yes. St James is part of our regular South Peninsula route, along with Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Lakeside. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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.
Why do I have so many fishmoths in my St James house?
Sea air and mountain damp keep old houses humid, and fishmoths love that. Drying out cupboards and a targeted treatment brings numbers down.
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.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254