Table View is big, busy and windy, with the famous postcard view of Table Mountain across the bay. Between the beachfront, the Rietvlei wetland and the shopping strips along Blaauwberg Road, we see a bit of everything here.
Timber pests in Table View: what we see
Wood borer is less common in the brick homes here, but timber trusses, wendy houses and pergolas can carry it. Sellers still need a beetle certificate, so an inspection before listing is worthwhile.
Much of the suburb is face-brick family homes from the seventies onward, with plenty of newer townhouse complexes and apartment blocks filling in the gaps. Busy centres and restaurants along Blaauwberg Road and Koeberg Road bring commercial pest work.
The South-Easter blasts across the flats in summer, carrying sand and grit into garages and sliding door tracks.
Something most people miss
One mistake sellers make is booking the beetle inspection last. If treatment or timber replacement is needed, a few days can turn into a few weeks, and transfer dates do not wait.
Agents tend to ask for the certificate, but buyers benefit most from understanding it. It covers accessible timber at the time of the inspection, not every hidden beam in the house.
What gives them away
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
How we handle beetle certificate inspection in Table View
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.
Prevention that actually works
- 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.
- Make sure the roof hatch is accessible and not painted shut or blocked by built-in cupboards.
- 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.
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
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.
Does the certificate cover the whole house?
It covers the timbers that were accessible at the time of inspection. Areas that could not be reached are noted so everyone knows what was checked.
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.
Do you come out to Table View for beetle certificate inspection?
Yes. Table View is part of our regular Blaauwberg & West Coast route, along with Bloubergstrand, Parklands, Milnerton, West Beach. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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.
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