Strand is a beach town first, so a lot of our work follows the holiday calendar. Flats on Beach Road sit empty for months, then fill up over December, and pests that moved in quietly during the off-season suddenly become everyone's problem.
Strand: what drives timber pests here
Older inland homes with timber roof trusses can carry wood borer, and the beetle certificate needed on a property sale is often when it gets found. Coastal flats rarely have a timber problem beyond the odd built-in cupboard.
Further back from the sea the streets are older freestanding homes and townhouse complexes, plus a busy commercial strip with takeaways and small supermarkets.
In the older houses inland, ants and fishmoths keep us busy, and the odd wood borer job turns up when a property goes on the market.
Something most people miss
A blocked or painted-shut roof hatch is one of the most common hold-ups we see. Check yours before the inspector arrives so the visit is not wasted.
The European house borer is notifiable in the Western Cape, which is why inspectors take it seriously. It works in softwood roof timbers, and the larvae can feed inside a beam for years before adult beetles emerge.
What gives them away
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Why it matters: Wood borer damage happens out of sight and can take years to show, by which time roof trusses and purlins may be badly weakened. A failed or missing certificate can delay registration of a property transfer and put pressure on both buyer and seller near the end of a sale. Because European house borer is notifiable in the Western Cape, finding it means the infested timber has to be dealt with properly before a clean certificate can be issued. Leaving it untreated risks spreading to neighbouring roof timbers.
Our process, step by step
Our inspector checks all accessible timbers in the roof void, along with exposed woodwork such as floors, skirtings, door frames and built-in cupboards. We look for exit holes, frass, larval galleries and the condition of the timber, and we note any areas that could not be accessed. If the accessible timber is clear, we issue the Certificate of Compliance. If beetle activity is found, we recommend treatment, usually borer injection or spray on the affected timber, or replacement where the wood is too damaged, and re-inspect afterwards before certifying. We will always tell you plainly if something is a cosmetic old hole and if something is active.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our beetle certificate inspection service works.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Have an older home's roof checked every few years, not only when you sell.
- Keep records of any timber treatment or roof repairs done on the property, as they help explain what the inspector sees.
- If you are renovating, use treated timber for any new roof work.
- Order the beetle inspection as soon as a sale is agreed rather than leaving it to the week before transfer.
- Keep roof voids dry and well ventilated, since damp timber is more attractive to some borers.
How much will it cost?
The cost of a beetle inspection depends on the size of the property and how easy it is to access the roof void and timbers. Sectional title units, freestanding homes and larger properties with multiple roof spaces take different amounts of time. If beetle activity is found, treatment or timber replacement is quoted separately based on how much timber is affected.
There is no DIY route for a Certificate of Compliance, since the transfer needs an independent inspection. What you can do is look in the roof yourself before listing, so a surprise does not derail the sale. If you see fresh powder or new holes, it is much better to know early.
Frequently asked questions
Do you come out to Strand for beetle certificate inspection?
Yes. Strand is part of our regular Helderberg route, along with Somerset West, Gordon's Bay, Macassar, Helderberg. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Is a beetle certificate required to sell a house in the Western Cape?
In most Western Cape sales, the sale agreement or the buyer's bank requires a beetle Certificate of Compliance before transfer. Your conveyancer will confirm what your agreement requires.
What is the European house borer?
It is a wood-boring beetle that attacks softwood roof timbers, and it is a notifiable pest in the Western Cape. Finding it means the infested timber must be properly dealt with.
What happens if beetles are found?
We explain where the activity is and recommend treatment or replacement of the affected timber. Once that is done and re-inspected, the certificate can be issued.
How long does the inspection take?
Most homes are inspected in a single visit. Our average turnaround for bookings is about 48 hours, which helps when a transfer deadline is close.
Who pays for the beetle inspection?
That depends on the terms of the sale agreement, but it is usually the seller. Check with your estate agent or conveyancer.
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