Scarborough is a small, quiet village on the Atlantic side of the peninsula, wedged between fynbos-covered mountain and a wild stretch of beach. Many homes stand empty for weeks at a time, and pests make the most of that.
Hygiene & disinfection around Scarborough
Holiday rentals here often need a sanitising and disinfection service between guests, especially after a long empty stretch.
The village borders Table Mountain National Park, with fynbos, rocky slopes and the Schusters River lagoon nearby. It's exposed to Atlantic mist, salt spray and strong winds, and winters are wet and cold. Wildlife from the park, including baboons, is part of life here, and damp conditions suit fishmoths and wood beetles.
Homes range from older wooden holiday cottages and timber-clad houses to modern architect-designed places on the slopes. Some have thatch or exposed timber, and many have large decks. Holiday homes that sit closed up for long periods let rodents, fishmoths and cockroaches settle in without anyone noticing. Wood and damp sea air together put timber at risk.
Mice and rats are the main issue in closed-up homes, followed by fishmoths and wood borer in damp timber. Ants and spiders are common in summer. Wasps nest on decks and under eaves.
Something most people miss
Regular fogging is most useful where many people share the same space. In a home with two people, a good clean usually achieves just as much.
Signs to look for
- Vehicles carry different passengers and drivers through the day.
- Spaces like gyms, classrooms or offices are shared by many people every day.
- A room has been closed up for a long time and needs a hygiene reset before reuse.
- You have a large open area with lots of surfaces that are slow to wipe down by hand.
- You have had a pest or contamination issue and want the area disinfected after cleaning.
- Your business wants a documented periodic hygiene treatment.
What happens when we come out
We use ULV foggers that produce a fine, controlled mist rather than drenching the room, so the disinfectant settles on surfaces without soaking them. Visible dirt should be cleaned off first, as fogging is meant to work alongside cleaning, not replace it. We choose a disinfectant suited to the space, with food-area products for kitchens and storerooms. Electronics are covered or switched off as needed, smoke detectors are taken into account, and the area is closed off during treatment. We then advise on the re-entry time and ventilation before people return.
- Site check
We look at the space, what it is used for and any sensitive equipment, food or electronics.
- Preparation
Surfaces are cleaned of visible dirt, food is put away and sensitive items are covered or moved.
- Clear the area
People, pets and plants leave the room, and doors and vents are managed for the treatment.
- Fogging
The technician fogs the space with a ULV unit, working systematically so every area is reached.
- Re-entry and ventilation
We tell you how long to wait, then the space is aired before it is used again.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Tell us about fish tanks, birds or sensitive equipment in advance so we can plan around them.
- Schedule fogging for weekends, holidays or after-hours so the space has time to air before people return.
- Clear desks and counters before treatment so the mist can reach the surfaces.
- Use fogging alongside pest control in food areas, not as a substitute for it.
- Keep up regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces between fogging treatments, as fogging does not replace day-to-day hygiene.
How much will it cost?
The cost of fogging depends mainly on the size and volume of the space and how many rooms or vehicles are involved. Preparation needs, such as covering equipment or working around food areas, also affect the time on site. Regular fogging for businesses can be priced as a scheduled service rather than once-off visits.
Workplaces and schools often book fogging before the Cape winter, when people spend more time indoors with windows closed and colds and flu go around. School holidays and the December shutdown are popular times because buildings are empty. Fogging itself works in any season.
Questions we get asked in Scarborough
Is it the same as fumigation?
No. Fumigation targets insects with a gas, while disinfectant fogging targets germs and bacteria on surfaces with a disinfectant mist.
Will fogging damage electronics?
ULV fogging produces a fine mist rather than wet spray, but we still cover or switch off sensitive equipment as a precaution.
How long before we can go back into the room?
It depends on the product and the space, but usually a few hours. We will give you a specific re-entry time and ventilation advice on the day.
Is my timber-clad house in Scarborough at risk of wood borer?
Damp sea air makes timber more vulnerable, so it's worth an inspection every few years. Catching borer early is far cheaper than replacing boards.
Can you check my Scarborough holiday home while I'm away?
Yes, we can arrange visits by appointment and send photos and a report. Many owners book a check before the holiday season starts.
Do you come out to Scarborough for disinfectant fogging?
Yes. Scarborough is part of our regular South Peninsula route, along with Kommetjie, Ocean View, Simon's Town. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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