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.
General pest control around Kommetjie
Holiday rentals and guest houses book sanitising between guests. Schools and community buildings also ask for disinfection.
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.
Something most people miss
Businesses holding bulk food or feed often only call when a customer complains. Regular checks of the storeroom are much cheaper than losing a batch.
When we look at a piece of furniture, the first check is whether the holes are old or active. Fresh, pale dust under the piece means larvae are still at work.
Tell-tale signs
- A container or pallet load needs a treatment before it can be moved or accepted.
- Earlier surface treatments knocked the problem back but it returned within weeks.
- An heirloom or second-hand piece of furniture has live beetles or fresh frass coming out of it.
- Pests are in a place you cannot reach with a spray, such as inside packed stock or solid timber.
What happens when we come out
We start by confirming that fumigation is really needed, because a lot of jobs can be solved with a residual spray, a dust or an insect growth regulator instead. When gas is the right tool, the item or area is sealed under gas-proof sheeting or in an airtight room, the fumigant is introduced and the space is held closed for the required exposure time. Afterwards it is aired out and checked before anyone goes back in. For houses with crawling insects we use targeted gel baits, dusts and residual sprays, often with a ULV fogging pass for hard-to-reach voids. You get a written report after every treatment.
- Identify the problem
Send us photos on WhatsApp or book an inspection so we can see what pest it is and where it lives.
- Choose the right treatment
We decide between gas fumigation and a targeted spray or bait treatment, and explain why.
- Prepare and seal
Items are moved, covered or sealed under sheets, and the area is cleared of people and pets.
- Treat and hold
The fumigant or treatment goes in and is left for the correct exposure time.
- Air out and report
We ventilate, check the area is safe and leave a report with any follow-up recommendations.
Prevention that actually works
- Have bulk storage areas checked regularly so a small problem does not become a fumigation job.
- Inspect second-hand furniture for small exit holes and fine dust before bringing it into the house.
- If you are buying an older property, include a beetle inspection in the transfer process.
- Store grain, feed and dry goods in sealed containers and use the old stock first.
- Keep timber dry, because damp wood is far more attractive to borer beetles.
How much will it cost?
The price depends on whether you need gas fumigation or a standard treatment, and on the volume being treated. Sealing a whole structure or a full container takes more material and time than a single piece of furniture. Access, preparation work and any follow-up treatments are factored into the free quote.
Gas fumigation is not a DIY job, full stop. The products are restricted and dangerous, and the sealing has to be right. For crawling insects in a house, foggers from the shop mostly drive pests deeper into the walls, so you are better off with a targeted professional treatment.
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
Do I have to move out for fumigation?
For true gas fumigation of a structure, yes, everyone including pets must leave until it is cleared. For a standard house treatment you usually only need to be out for a few hours.
Is fumigation the same as spraying?
No. Fumigation uses a gas in a sealed space, while spraying applies a product to surfaces. Many people in Cape Town use the words interchangeably, which is why we check what you need first.
Do you come out to Kommetjie for fumigation?
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.
Will fumigation leave a smell?
Once a space has been properly aired, there should be little or no lingering smell. We use odourless products where we can.
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