Parklands grew fast from bare dune land into rows of townhouse complexes and family homes, so many pest issues here come from the sand and open veld that still surround parts of it. Ants, mice and windblown flies are typical.
Parklands: what drives crawling insects here
Ants nest in the sandy soil and come indoors in summer. Crickets and spiders move in from open ground.
Most homes are newer brick houses and townhouses in complexes with shared walls and gardens. Light roofs and modern building methods keep things tidy, but gaps around pipes, vents and garage doors let mice and insects in. Complexes share refuse areas, which can attract rodents. Some estates have ponds and open spaces with water features.
Parklands is built on sandy, windy coastal ground near Big Bay and Table View, with open dune and veld land still at the edges. The South-Easter blows hard in summer, and winter brings cold fronts and rain. Ponds and wetlands in estates and parks hold water year-round.
Ants and mice are the most common calls, with fleas in summer. Mosquitoes breed around ponds and water features. Egyptian geese and pigeons cause mess in estates.
How to tell you have a problem
- Yellowish stains or tiny pepper-like droppings are left on paper and shelves.
- Irregular grazed patches or small holes appear on book covers, wallpaper or photographs.
- Silvery, fast-moving insects are seen when you lift boxes, books or linen.
- Fishmoths drop from the ceiling or come out of light fittings and cornices, a sign they are living in the roof space.
- Shed scales and skins collect in drawers, cupboards and bathroom corners.
Fishmoths do not bite or spread disease, but they cause slow, steady damage. They eat the glue in book bindings and wallpaper, the starch in fabrics and paper, and the surface of photographs and documents. For offices, schools, libraries and archives, they can damage records that cannot be replaced. Their presence is also a strong clue to damp or poor ventilation that may be causing other problems in the building.
From the technician
Fishmoths can live for several years and can survive months without food. That is why a single wipe-down does not work and why treatments that keep working in cracks are so useful.
Fishmoths are harmless to children and pets, which means you can take your time and choose a gentle, targeted treatment rather than anything heavy-handed.
Our process, step by step
Fishmoths often live in roof spaces, wall voids and behind cornices, so a fine insecticidal dust blown into the ceiling void is one of our most effective tools. Inside, we apply a targeted residual treatment into cracks, cupboard corners, skirting gaps and behind bookshelves rather than spraying open surfaces. Fishmoths are long-lived and lay eggs in hidden cracks, so treatments that keep working for a while are more useful than a quick knockdown. We pair the treatment with advice on damp, ventilation and storage, because changing the conditions is what stops them coming back.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our fishmoth control service works.
Stopping a repeat visit
- Store books, documents and photographs in sealed plastic boxes, not cardboard, especially in garages and storerooms.
- Vacuum regularly inside cupboards, along skirting boards and behind furniture to remove eggs and food sources.
- Avoid stacking old newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes in cupboards for long periods.
- Fix leaks under basins, around geysers and in the roof, since fishmoths need moisture.
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms and laundries with an extractor fan or by keeping a window open after showers.
How much will it cost?
The price depends on the size of the property, how many rooms and cupboards are affected, and whether the roof space needs to be treated. Easy access to the ceiling void keeps the job simpler, while a home with lots of built-in cupboards and shelves takes more time. Offices, archives and storerooms with large amounts of paper are quoted separately, and every quote is free.
Fishmoths are active all year because they live indoors, but Cape Town's damp winters make them more noticeable as moisture rises in roofs, walls and cupboards. Grey silverfish in the roof space may become more visible in summer when the ceiling heats up and pushes them down into the rooms below.
Questions we get asked in Parklands
Are fishmoths and silverfish the same thing?
Yes. Fishmoth is the common South African name for silverfish, and it covers a few related species, including the grey silverfish common in Cape Town.
Can you deal with Egyptian geese in a Parklands estate?
We can advise on deterrents and bird proofing for buildings and shared areas, focusing on keeping them away from homes rather than harming them.
How long does a fishmoth treatment last?
Our treatments carry a minimum 3-month guarantee. Fixing damp and changing storage habits makes the result last much longer.
Why are there so many ants in Parklands homes?
The sandy ground makes nesting easy, and summer heat sends them indoors for water. Baiting their trails and treating entry points brings them under control.
Do you come out to Parklands for fishmoth control?
Yes. Parklands is part of our regular Blaauwberg & West Coast route, along with Table View, Bloubergstrand, Melkbosstrand, Milnerton. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Can fishmoths damage clothes?
They can graze cotton, linen, silk and starched fabrics, particularly items stored for long periods in damp cupboards. They are less of a problem on synthetics.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254