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.
Crawling insects around Scarborough
Fishmoths love the damp, salty air and stored linen, and rain spiders and other spiders shelter in cottages. Ants trail in through window frames in summer.
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.
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.
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.
Signs to look for
- Fishmoths drop from the ceiling or come out of light fittings and cornices, a sign they are living in the roof space.
- Irregular grazed patches or small holes appear on book covers, wallpaper or photographs.
- Wallpaper is lifting or damaged along the edges where the glue has been eaten.
- 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.
How the treatment works
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.
Prevention that actually works
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms and laundries with an extractor fan or by keeping a window open after showers.
- Fix leaks under basins, around geysers and in the roof, since fishmoths need moisture.
- Avoid stacking old newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes in cupboards for long periods.
- Vacuum regularly inside cupboards, along skirting boards and behind furniture to remove eggs and food sources.
- Seal cracks around skirting boards, cornices and built-in cupboards where they hide and lay eggs.
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.
Fishmoth Control questions from Scarborough
Do you come out to Scarborough for fishmoth control?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254