Sun Valley is a family suburb tucked in the valley between Fish Hoek and Noordhoek, with mountains close on both sides. Homes back onto fynbos, green belts and wetland, so a lot of the pests we see here walk in from the bush rather than from neighbours.
Crawling insects in Sun Valley: what we see
Crickets, garden spiders and rain spiders are frequent visitors, and scorpions turn up under rocks and stacked wood. Argentine ants trail indoors as soon as the weather turns.
The area is mostly freestanding homes from the eighties and nineties, plus newer townhouse complexes and a few security estates. Plenty of houses have big gardens, pool pumps, wooden decks and garden sheds, all of which give rodents and spiders somewhere to hide. Some homes have timber ceilings and exposed beams that need watching for borer.
The Silvermine side of the Table Mountain National Park is right above the suburb, and the low ground towards Noordhoek and the Fish Hoek valley holds water in winter. That mix of mountain fynbos and wet valley floor brings rodents and plenty of crawling insects right to the back fence. The valley also gets cooler, damp nights that suit fishmoths and mould.
Rats and field mice moving in from the green belts are a steady issue, especially once the winter rains start. Ants, crickets, spiders and the odd scorpion are common in garden-heavy properties. Mosquitoes are worse near the wetland edge, and timber pests matter in homes with wooden decks and ceilings.
Something most people miss
Crickets are not dangerous to children or pets, so there is no need to panic or use strong products indoors. A perimeter treatment keeps the products outside, away from living areas.
What gives them away
- Raised, soft ridges and tunnels in the lawn, especially after watering.
- Large numbers of crickets attracted to outside lights on warm nights.
- Patches of grass that brown and die, and lift easily because the roots have been cut.
- Crickets sheltering in the garage, under appliances or behind skirting boards.
- Birds and hadedas probing the lawn intensively, which is often a sign of mole crickets or other insects underneath.
- Small chewed holes in clothing, curtains or paper stored in damp places.
Crickets do not bite people or spread disease in any meaningful way. Indoors, the main issues are lost sleep, droppings and small amounts of damage to fabrics, carpets and stored paper. Mole crickets are a bigger problem for property, because their tunnels cut grass roots and can damage lawns, sports fields and seedlings badly. Large numbers of crickets attracted to lights also draw in spiders and geckos, and sometimes scorpions.
How the treatment works
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.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our cricket control service works.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Water the lawn deeply but less often, as constantly damp soil suits mole crickets.
- Keep the garage and storeroom tidy and dry, since crickets love damp cardboard and clutter.
- 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.
- Fit brush strips under exterior doors and garage doors so crickets cannot walk straight in.
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.
One cricket behind the fridge is a job for a torch and a glass, not a pest control company. If crickets keep coming in night after night, or your lawn is lifting with tunnels, a professional perimeter or lawn treatment will save you a lot of frustration. Buying lawn insecticide and guessing the timing often wastes money.
Frequently asked questions
Are scorpions in Sun Valley dangerous?
Most scorpions found here are mild, but some thick-tailed species can give a painful sting, so treat any sting with caution and get medical advice if symptoms are severe. We can reduce numbers around your home by clearing harbourage and treating hiding spots.
What is damaging my lawn with tunnels?
If you see raised ridges and spongy patches with dying grass, mole crickets are a likely cause. Flood a patch with soapy water and they often come to the surface, which confirms it.
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.
Do crickets attract other pests?
Yes, large numbers of crickets can draw in spiders, geckos and sometimes scorpions, which feed on them. Reducing crickets often reduces those too.
Do the rats in Sun Valley come from the mountain or from neighbours?
Mostly from the green belts and wetland edges, especially after the first winter rains. Sealing roof and garage gaps on the bush-facing side of your home makes the biggest difference.
Do you come out to Sun Valley for cricket control?
Yes. Sun Valley is part of our regular South Peninsula route, along with Sunnydale, Fish Hoek, Noordhoek, Masiphumelele. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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