Rondebosch is old Cape Town: oak trees, Victorian houses, big schools and the UCT campus spilling down the slope toward Main Road.
Fishmoths and clothes moths in Rondebosch homes
Fishmoths like the old built-in cupboards, bookshelves and linen cupboards of Rondebosch's Victorian and Edwardian homes, where the damp winters keep everything humid. Student textbooks, notes and papers stacked in damp rooms are a favourite meal, and they also eat photos, wallpaper paste and stored clothes. Clothes moths damage wool jerseys, blankets and the rugs on old timber floors.
We treat cupboards, bookshelves and cracks and point out damp spots, such as outside walls that never dry. Keeping papers off the floor in sealed boxes, airing rooms on dry days and using moisture absorbers in winter help keep both away.
Signs to look for
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Worth knowing
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.
Landlords with older rental properties often get fishmoth complaints from tenants. A roof void treatment and better ventilation in the bathroom usually solves it for the long term.
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
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms and laundries with an extractor fan or by keeping a window open after showers.
- Seal cracks around skirting boards, cornices and built-in cupboards where they hide and lay eggs.
- Fix leaks under basins, around geysers and in the roof, since fishmoths need moisture.
- Store books, documents and photographs in sealed plastic boxes, not cardboard, especially in garages and storerooms.
- Avoid stacking old newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes in cupboards for long periods.
Pricing, honestly
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.
Frequently asked questions
Do fishmoths mean I have damp?
Often, yes. Common silverfish in particular need high humidity, so seeing them regularly in one room is a good reason to check for leaks or poor ventilation.
What's eating holes in my Rondebosch rug?
Often clothes moth larvae. Treatment and regular vacuuming under furniture stops them.
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.
Do fishmoths bite?
No, they do not bite people or pets and do not carry disease. The problem is the damage they do to paper, books, photographs and fabrics.
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 treat a student house in Rondebosch during the holidays?
Yes, holidays are the best time because rooms are empty and can be treated properly. Weekend and after-hours visits can also be arranged on request.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
