Fresnaye climbs the slopes above Sea Point toward Lion's Head, all steep streets, big houses and apartment blocks with sea views. Most calls here are about rats in roofs, ants in kitchens and pigeons on balconies.
Hygiene & disinfection in Fresnaye: what we see
Holiday rentals are sanitised between guests, and blocks of flats ask for refuse rooms and common areas to be disinfected.
Fresnaye runs up the lower slopes of Lion's Head and Signal Hill, with fynbos and greenbelt directly above many homes. The South-Easter can be fierce, and winter storms hit straight off the Atlantic. Water runs down the slopes in winter, and rodents move down with the weather.
From the technician
A common mistake is to fog first and wipe later. Dirt and grease shield viruses from disinfectant, so we clean the high-touch points before the fogger goes on.
Landlords sometimes ask us to treat a flat between tenants after illness. It is a reasonable step, and the written report is useful if anyone asks questions later.
What gives them away
- A client, landlord or head office has asked for proof that the premises were disinfected.
- A staff member, resident or regular visitor has tested positive or gone home sick with flu-like symptoms.
- Shared equipment such as till points, keyboards, phones and kitchen counters is used by many hands every day.
- You are about to reopen a space that was closed because of illness.
Respiratory viruses spread mainly through the air between people, but contaminated surfaces play a part, particularly in busy shared spaces. For a business the bigger cost is often staff absence: one case that turns into five can empty a small office for a week. There is also a trust issue, because staff and customers want to know something was actually done. Surface disinfection lowers the load on surfaces, but it does not replace ventilation, staying home when sick or medical advice.
How the treatment works
We start with the boring part that matters most: wiping down high-touch surfaces by hand with a suitable disinfectant, because fogging alone does not scrub a greasy door handle. Then we fog the rooms with a ULV fogger, which puts out a fine mist that settles on surfaces, including the ones nobody thinks to wipe. We choose products that are suitable for the surfaces and the people who will use the space, and we tell you how long to keep the area closed before re-entry. Electronics are covered or wiped rather than soaked. Afterwards you get a short report listing the areas treated and the product used.
- Quick call or WhatsApp
Tell us what happened, the size of the space and when you need it back. We plan around your hours, including after-hours and weekends on request.
- Walk-through
We check the layout, the high-touch points and anything sensitive like server rooms, food areas or medical equipment.
- Manual wipe-down
Handles, switches, desks, counters, taps and shared equipment are wiped with disinfectant first.
- ULV fogging
Each room is fogged with the doors closed, then left for the recommended contact time.
- Ventilate and hand back
We open up, confirm the re-entry time and leave a written report for your records.
Prevention that actually works
- Stop sharing headsets, pens and keyboards between shifts where you can avoid it.
- Place hand sanitiser at entrances, the kitchen and the till, and keep it topped up.
- Know who to phone before you need it, so a positive case does not turn into a day of scrambling.
- Open windows where you can. Cape Town's south-easter is good for something, and moving air dilutes airborne virus.
- Keep people at home when they are sick. It does more than any amount of spraying.
How much will it cost?
The cost depends mostly on floor area and how many separate rooms need fogging. Heavy furniture, lots of electronics or food preparation areas take more time because they need careful wiping and covering. After-hours or weekend work and repeat treatments during an ongoing outbreak also affect the quote, which is free.
Our busiest disinfection months are the wet Cape winters, from about May to August, when people are packed indoors with the windows shut and flu and colds spread fast. We still see call-outs in summer, usually after a single case in an office or a care home.
Frequently asked questions
Do you give a certificate or report?
You get a post-treatment report listing the areas treated and the product used, which most landlords and head offices accept as proof.
How do I stop pigeons nesting on my Fresnaye balcony?
Netting the balcony or fitting spikes on ledges stops them landing. Clearing any old nests first is important to get rid of bird mites.
How long before staff can go back in?
Usually a couple of hours after fogging, once the room has been aired. We confirm the exact time on the day based on the product used.
Do you come out to Fresnaye for COVID-19 disinfection?
Yes. Fresnaye is part of our regular City Bowl & Atlantic Seaboard route, along with Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Three Anchor Bay. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Is it safe for children and pets afterwards?
Yes, once the re-entry time has passed and the room has been ventilated. Keep pets and kids out while we are working.
Do the rats in Fresnaye come down from Lion's Head?
Many do, especially in winter. Homes on the upper streets see the most activity, and cutting back creepers and sealing roof gaps makes a big difference.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
