Schotsche Kloof is the upper, steeper part of the Bo-Kaap, climbing toward Signal Hill. Homes are close together and families have often lived here for generations, so we work with households who know their neighbours and their pest history well.
Schotsche Kloof: what drives crawling insects here
German cockroaches spread through flats via shared ducts and plumbing. Ants come in through cracks in old walls during dry weather.
There's a mix of older flat-roofed terraced cottages, newer renovations and the large blocks of council flats that the area is known for. Shared walls and flat roofs make it easy for rats and cockroaches to move from home to home. In the flats, cockroaches and bed bugs travel through service ducts and shared refuse areas. Renovated homes sometimes trap old pest problems inside new walls.
Rats and German cockroaches are the most common calls, especially in the flats. Bed bugs and fleas appear in crowded homes. Pigeons are a constant on rooftops.
Signs to look for
- Silvery, fast-moving insects are seen when you lift boxes, books or linen.
- Wallpaper is lifting or damaged along the edges where the glue has been eaten.
- 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.
- Clothing, curtains or linen made from cotton, linen or silk have small holes or thinned patches.
- Fishmoths drop from the ceiling or come out of light fittings and cornices, a sign they are living in the roof space.
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.
A note from the field
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.
How we handle fishmoth control in Schotsche Kloof
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
- Seal cracks around skirting boards, cornices and built-in cupboards where they hide and lay eggs.
- Improve ventilation in bathrooms and laundries with an extractor fan or by keeping a window open after showers.
- Vacuum regularly inside cupboards, along skirting boards and behind furniture to remove eggs and food sources.
- 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.
What affects the price
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.
Moving books into sealed boxes and running a dehumidifier will help more than any spray from the shop. DIY sprays rarely reach the roof space or wall voids where the main population lives. If you are seeing them in several rooms or dropping from the ceiling, get the roof space treated professionally.
Frequently asked questions
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.
Can you treat our whole block of flats for cockroaches?
Yes, treating a whole block at once is the most effective approach. We'll plan the visit with residents and leave a post-treatment report.
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.
Do the rats in Schotsche Kloof come down from Signal Hill?
Some do, especially in winter. But most rat problems here are fed by shared refuse areas, so keeping bins sealed and treating as a block makes the biggest difference.
Do you come out to Schotsche Kloof for fishmoth control?
Yes. Schotsche Kloof is part of our regular City Bowl & Atlantic Seaboard route, along with Bo-Kaap, Malay Quarter, Tamboerskloof, City Bowl. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Why are fishmoths falling from my ceiling?
That usually means there is a population in the roof space. Treating the ceiling void with a dust is the most effective way to deal with it.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254