Wynberg is two suburbs in one: the busy Main Road and transport hub in lower Wynberg, and the leafy, older homes of upper Wynberg near Maynardville. Pest pressures differ a lot between the two, so we tailor our work to which side you are on.
Fishmoths in Wynberg's older homes
Fishmoths are common in the damp built-in cupboards, bookshelves and linen cupboards of Wynberg's Victorian and Edwardian homes and the Chelsea Village cottages, where thick old walls and heavy winter rain keep everything humid. They eat paper, books, photos, wallpaper paste and fabric, leaving ragged holes and yellowish marks. Shops and offices in lower Wynberg with stored paperwork see them too.
We treat cupboards, bookshelves and cracks and point out damp spots. Moisture absorbers in winter, sealed boxes for papers and airing rooms on dry days keep them away.
Upper Wynberg is on higher ground with big trees and established gardens, while the lower area is flatter and more built up.
Worth knowing
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.
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.
What gives them away
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Why it matters: 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.
What happens when we come out
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
- 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.
- Avoid stacking old newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes in cupboards for long periods.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Why do fishmoths like older Wynberg homes?
Old cupboards and walls stay damp in winter.
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.
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.
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