Out in Kommetjie, the fynbos comes right up to the garden wall and the Atlantic is never more than a few streets away. That means more scorpions, field mice and borer in timber than rats and cockroaches, which is the opposite of what we see in town.
Biting insects in Kommetjie: what we see
Fleas come with pets and wildlife, and ticks from dogs that walk the beach and reserve. Holiday rentals sometimes need bed bug checks.
The village is surrounded by coastal fynbos, dunes and the Slangkop area of Table Mountain National Park, with wetlands and vleis between Kommetjie and Noordhoek. The Atlantic brings cold, salty winds, and winter is wet. Nature reserves and open land on all sides mean plenty of wildlife moving through.
Plenty of homes are timber-framed or have big timber decks, thatched roofs or lapas, and some started life as holiday cottages. Newer houses are set back in the dunes on sandy plots. Salt and damp wear down timber and paint quickly, and once wood is weathered it is easier for borer to get going.
From the technician
People often say fleas cannot survive without a pet in the house. Adult fleas need a host, but pupae can sit in a carpet for weeks or months and hatch the moment they sense someone walking past.
Signs to look for
- Black, pepper-like specks in pet fur or bedding that turn reddish when pressed on damp white paper.
- Itchy bites in small clusters around the ankles and lower legs.
- Tiny dark insects jumping onto white socks when you walk across the carpet.
- Pets scratching, biting at their back or losing fur near the base of the tail.
- Bites appearing in a house that has been empty for a while, or just after moving in.
Flea bites cause intense itching and many people and pets develop allergic dermatitis that leads to broken skin and infection. Fleas carry the dog and cat tapeworm, which pets pick up by swallowing infected fleas while grooming. Heavy infestations can cause anaemia in puppies, kittens and older animals. For rental properties and holiday lets, a flea problem left by previous occupants is a common source of complaints.
Our process, step by step
A proper flea job hits every life stage, not just the adults. We use an insect growth regulator, which stops eggs and larvae developing into breeding adults, together with a residual insecticide on carpets, floors, under furniture and around pet resting places, both inside and in sheltered outdoor spots. Before we arrive, you vacuum thoroughly, wash pet bedding hot and lift items off the floor so the product reaches where the larvae live. The pets must be treated by your vet on the same day or just before, otherwise new fleas keep arriving. Because pupae are protected in their cocoons, we often book a follow-up treatment a couple of weeks later to catch the late hatchers.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our flea control service works.
Prevention that actually works
- Keep the grass short and rake away leaf litter in shaded spots where the dog lies outside.
- Discourage stray cats from sleeping under the house, on the stoep or in the garage.
- Wash pet bedding on a hot cycle every week or two and vacuum the areas where pets sleep.
- Keep every pet in the house on a vet-recommended flea product all year round, because heated homes keep fleas breeding through winter.
- Deal with rats or mice in the roof promptly, as their fleas can drop into the house.
Pricing, honestly
The main factors are the size of the house, how much carpet and soft furnishing there is, and whether outdoor areas need treating as well. A heavy infestation in a multi-pet home will usually need a follow-up visit, which we include in the quote. Preparation on your side makes a big difference to how well a single treatment works, and we give a free quote upfront.
If you have one pet and caught it early, a good vet product plus serious vacuuming and washing will often sort it out. Once you have fleas jumping on people and multiple rooms involved, foggers and shop sprays rarely reach the larvae in carpet bases, and a professional treatment with a growth regulator is the faster route. Either way, the house treatment fails if the animals are not treated by the vet at the same time.
Flea Control questions from Kommetjie
Do you come out to Kommetjie for flea control?
Yes. Kommetjie is part of our regular South Peninsula route, along with Ocean View, Masiphumelele, Noordhoek, Scarborough. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
How soon can the pets come back in?
Once the treated surfaces are completely dry, usually after a few hours. We will confirm on the day based on the products used.
Do you treat my dog or cat?
No, pets must be treated by your vet. We treat the house and garden, and both need to happen together for the job to work.
Are scorpions common in Kommetjie homes?
Yes, the fynbos and sandy soil suit them, and they come inside looking for shelter. Treating the perimeter and sealing gaps under doors reduces how many get in.
Is there a guarantee?
Our treatments carry a minimum 3-month guarantee, provided the pets are kept on vet flea treatment as advised.
Do thatched homes in Kommetjie need borer treatment?
They should be checked regularly, especially before a sale. We can inspect thatch and timber and treat any active borer.
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