Out in Kommetjie, the fynbos comes right up to the garden wall and the Atlantic is never more than a few streets away. That means more scorpions, field mice and borer in timber than rats and cockroaches, which is the opposite of what we see in town.
Biting insects in Kommetjie: what we see
Fleas come with pets and wildlife, and ticks from dogs that walk the beach and reserve. Holiday rentals sometimes need bed bug checks.
The village is surrounded by coastal fynbos, dunes and the Slangkop area of Table Mountain National Park, with wetlands and vleis between Kommetjie and Noordhoek. The Atlantic brings cold, salty winds, and winter is wet. Nature reserves and open land on all sides mean plenty of wildlife moving through.
Mice and rats from the fynbos, scorpions and spiders, and wood borer in timber homes are typical. Mosquitoes near the wetlands and fleas from pets are also common.
A note from the field
For landlords and rental agents, a bite problem between tenants is worth treating before the new people move in. Fleas left by a previous tenant's pets can sit dormant as pupae and hatch when the new family arrives.
The first thing we ask is who in the house is getting bitten. If only one person reacts, others may be bitten without showing marks, which matters when we are trying to find the source.
What gives them away
- Rows of itchy bites on the arms, neck or shoulders after a night in bed, which is typical of bed bugs.
- A crawling, prickling feeling at night with tiny moving specks near a window or ceiling below a bird nest.
- Bites that appear soon after moving house, travelling or bringing home second-hand furniture.
- Pets scratching constantly, with black specks in their fur that turn red on a damp tissue.
- Small blood spots or dark staining on sheets and mattress seams.
Most local biting insects cause itching, broken sleep and skin infections from scratching rather than serious disease. Fleas can carry tapeworm to pets, and heavy flea burdens can make young or elderly animals anaemic. Bed bugs and bird mites cause real stress, poor sleep and, for businesses such as guest houses, bad reviews and lost bookings. Some people react strongly to bites and should see a doctor if swelling or infection develops.
How we handle biting insect control in Kommetjie
We always identify the biter before choosing a treatment, using sticky traps, a close look at bedding, pet areas and roof voids, and photos you send us. Flea jobs combine an insect growth regulator with a residual spray on floors, pet bedding areas and under furniture, alongside vet treatment of the animals. Bed bugs need a careful, room-by-room crack and crevice treatment of beds, headboards and furniture, often with a follow-up visit. Mosquitoes are tackled at the breeding source first, with targeted treatment of resting areas, and bird mites mean dealing with the old nest as well as the mites in the room. We use the least-toxic effective product for each situation.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our biting insect control service works.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Empty pot-plant saucers, buckets and blocked gutters weekly so mosquitoes have nowhere to breed.
- Check hotel and guest house beds before unpacking, and keep your suitcase on the luggage rack rather than the floor.
- Have bird nests removed from roofs and gutters and the gaps closed before the chicks fledge.
- Keep pets on a regular flea treatment from your vet all year, not just in summer, because Cape Town houses stay warm enough for fleas indoors.
- Vacuum floors, rugs and pet sleeping areas often and throw the vacuum bag or contents away outside.
Pricing, honestly
Price depends on which insect we are dealing with, how many rooms are affected and how far the problem has spread. Bed bug and flea jobs often need a follow-up visit to break the breeding cycle, which is built into the quote. We start with a free quote, and a WhatsApp photo of the bites or the insect often helps narrow things down.
Bug sprays and foggers from the shop often make things worse, because they scatter bed bugs into new rooms and do nothing about flea eggs and pupae in the carpet. Treating pets properly and cleaning up mosquito breeding spots are jobs you can and should do yourself. If bites continue for more than a week or two, get the insect identified rather than throwing more products at it.
Frequently asked questions
Are you available after hours?
Yes, after-hours and weekend visits can be arranged on request, and our 24-hour line takes calls for advice and bookings.
Are scorpions common in Kommetjie homes?
Yes, the fynbos and sandy soil suit them, and they come inside looking for shelter. Treating the perimeter and sealing gaps under doors reduces how many get in.
Do you treat pets?
No, animals should be treated by your vet with a product suited to them. We treat the house, and the two need to happen at the same time to work.
Do you come out to Kommetjie for biting insect control?
Yes. Kommetjie is part of our regular South Peninsula route, along with Ocean View, Masiphumelele, Noordhoek, Scarborough. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Why am I still getting bitten after the treatment?
Flea pupae and bed bug eggs can survive the first treatment and hatch over the following days, which is why a follow-up visit is often part of the job. Tell us if bites continue so we can check.
Do thatched homes in Kommetjie need borer treatment?
They should be checked regularly, especially before a sale. We can inspect thatch and timber and treat any active borer.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254