Pinelands was laid out as South Africa's first garden city, and its tall trees, wide verges and old thatched cottages still define it. Those same trees and roofs bring squirrels, rats and thatch beetles to our list here.
Pinelands: what drives crawling insects here
Fishmoths do well in older homes, and ants come indoors in dry weather. Spiders and crickets are common in leafy gardens.
Many homes are original cottages from the 1920s and 1930s, some still with thatched roofs, along with later brick houses and townhouse complexes. Big gardens and overhanging trees give rodents and squirrels easy access to roofs. Older timber floors and roof structures are prone to borer. Outbuildings, garages and garden sheds are common hiding places.
Squirrels and rats in roofs are the most common calls, along with thatch and wood borer problems. Mosquitoes near the river and Egyptian geese in parks are regular issues. Fishmoths and ants appear in older homes.
What gives them away
- Patches of grass that brown and die, and lift easily because the roots have been cut.
- Birds and hadedas probing the lawn intensively, which is often a sign of mole crickets or other insects underneath.
- Crickets sheltering in the garage, under appliances or behind skirting boards.
- Small chewed holes in clothing, curtains or paper stored in damp places.
- Raised, soft ridges and tunnels in the lawn, especially after watering.
From the technician
When a technician deals with a cricket complaint, the first thing they check is the outside lighting and the garage door seal. Fixing those two things often makes more difference than the treatment itself.
What happens when we come out
Indoors, we focus on finding where the crickets are coming in and hiding, then apply a residual treatment to entry points, door thresholds, garage edges and other hiding spots. Granular baits can be used around the perimeter of the house to reduce numbers before they reach the walls. For mole crickets, the lawn is treated with a targeted product and watered in so it reaches the tunnels, and timing matters because young mole crickets near the surface are easier to control. We use the least-toxic effective option and avoid spraying open living areas.
- Identify the cricket
Field crickets, house crickets and mole crickets behave differently and need different treatments.
- Locate entry and shelter
We look at door gaps, garage doors, airbricks and cluttered areas where crickets hide during the day.
- Treat the perimeter
A residual barrier and, where useful, granular bait go around the outside of the house and entry points.
- Treat the lawn
For mole crickets, the affected areas of lawn are treated and watered in so the product reaches the tunnels.
- Report and advice
You get a post-treatment report with tips on lighting, sealing and garden habits that reduce numbers.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Water the lawn deeply but less often, as constantly damp soil suits mole crickets.
- Clear leaf litter, mulch, firewood and garden rubbish away from the walls of the house.
- Swap bright white outside lights for yellow or warm-coloured bulbs, which attract fewer insects.
- Seal cracks in walls and around window frames, and check that airbricks have intact mesh.
- Keep the garage and storeroom tidy and dry, since crickets love damp cardboard and clutter.
How much will it cost?
The cost depends on whether it is an indoor nuisance, a lawn problem or both, and on the size of the property and garden. A large lawn with widespread mole cricket damage takes more product and time than a perimeter treatment for a house. Follow-up treatments, if needed to catch a second generation, are included in a free quote upfront.
Field crickets are loudest and most noticeable in the warm months from late spring through summer. They often move indoors in autumn as the nights cool down and the first rains arrive. Mole cricket damage to lawns shows up most in spring and summer when they are active near the surface.
Frequently asked questions
Do Pinelands thatched cottages get borer?
Yes, older thatch and timber often show borer activity. We inspect the thatch and roof timbers and advise on treatment.
Why can I never find the chirping cricket?
Crickets stop chirping when they sense vibration or movement nearby, and the sound bounces off walls, which makes it hard to pinpoint. Turning off lights and moving slowly helps.
Why are there squirrels in my Pinelands roof?
The tall trees give them easy access to roofs, and they nest in warm, dry spaces. We remove them and seal entry points.
Do you come out to Pinelands for cricket control?
Yes. Pinelands is part of our regular Southern Suburbs route, along with Thornton, Ndabeni, Langa, Mowbray. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Is the lawn treatment safe for pets?
We use a targeted product and water it in. Keep pets off the treated area until it has dried, and we will give you specific guidance on the day.
Are crickets harmful?
No, crickets do not bite people or carry disease to any real extent. The problems are noise, minor damage to fabric and paper, and lawn damage from mole crickets.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254