West Beach is the strip between Table View and Bloubergstrand, built on dune land right behind the beach. Wind, sand and salt rule here, and most of the pest issues we see are shaped by being a stone's throw from the sea.
West Beach: what drives hygiene & disinfection here
Holiday rentals ask for disinfection between guests, and complexes use sanitising for shared areas. Clubhouses and gyms in the area too.
The area is built on coastal dunes, so the soil is soft sand that ants and burrowing insects love. The South-Easter blows constantly in summer, and winter brings cold Atlantic fronts. The beach and dune vegetation are home to rodents and plenty of insects.
Ants are the most common call because of the sandy ground. Mice and rats from the dune vegetation follow close behind. Gulls and pigeons are a problem on flat roofs, and fishmoths like damp coastal homes.
A note from the field
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.
What gives them away
- You are about to reopen a space that was closed because of illness.
- A staff member, resident or regular visitor has tested positive or gone home sick with flu-like symptoms.
- A client, landlord or head office has asked for proof that the premises were disinfected.
- Shared equipment such as till points, keyboards, phones and kitchen counters is used by many hands every day.
- Vulnerable people, such as the elderly or anyone on chemotherapy, live or work in the building.
Our process, step by step
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.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our COVID-19 disinfection service works.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Place hand sanitiser at entrances, the kitchen and the till, and keep it topped up.
- Stop sharing headsets, pens and keyboards between shifts where you can avoid it.
- Open windows where you can. Cape Town's south-easter is good for something, and moving air dilutes airborne virus.
- Put a daily wipe-down of handles, switches and shared phones on someone's task list, not just the cleaner's.
- Know who to phone before you need it, so a positive case does not turn into a day of scrambling.
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.
A household with one sick person can do a decent job with gloves, a disinfectant and some discipline about door handles and the bathroom. For an office, a shop or a care facility, I would get it done professionally, partly for the thoroughness and partly because you get a written record that it was done properly.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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 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.
Why are ants so bad in West Beach homes?
The suburb sits on dune sand, which makes perfect nesting ground right under paving and along walls. Baiting the colony at the source gives better results than spraying the trails.
Can you stop gulls landing on my West Beach roof?
Yes. Bird wire, spikes and solar panel guards make the roof much less comfortable for gulls and pigeons.
Do you come out to West Beach for COVID-19 disinfection?
Yes. West Beach is part of our regular Blaauwberg & West Coast route, along with Table View, Bloubergstrand, Parklands. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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