Constantia means big plots, old oaks, vineyards and horses, so pest control here is often as much about the garden and outbuildings as the house itself. Squirrels in the roof, rats around the stables and wasps in the hedges are everyday conversations in the valley.
The local picture in Constantia
Fleas follow dogs and cats, and sometimes a wild animal sleeping under a deck. Bird mites appear now and then when birds have nested in thatch or under roof tiles.
The valley climbs up to the Constantiaberg and the edge of Table Mountain National Park, with wine farms such as Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia on the slopes. It gets noticeably more winter rain than most of the city, so gardens stay lush and soil stays damp well into spring. Greenbelts and small streams thread through the suburb, and the oaks drop enough acorns to feed a healthy squirrel population. Summer afternoons in the vineyards turn warm and still, which wasps love.
Tell-tale signs
- Small dark mosquitoes resting on shaded walls, under the eaves or behind curtains during the day.
- Itchy, raised bites on arms, face and feet that were left outside the covers.
- Wriggling larvae, sometimes called wigglers, in pond edges, buckets, bird baths or pool covers.
- A high-pitched whine near your ear just as you fall asleep.
- Swarms in the evening near a water feature, drain or neglected pool.
- Day-time bites on the ankles while sitting in the garden, which points to Aedes breeding nearby.
In the Western Cape, mosquitoes are mainly a nuisance and are not a malaria risk, but the bites can cause swelling and itching that is worse in children and some adults. Scratched bites can become infected, and constant night-time biting leads to poor sleep for the whole household. For hospitality businesses, restaurants with outdoor seating and wedding venues, mosquitoes in the evening can directly affect guest comfort and reviews.
Worth knowing
The south-easter is not all bad news. Mosquitoes struggle to fly in strong wind, so windy Cape Town days are often bite-free, and the worst nights come when the wind drops.
When our technician arrives, the first thing they check is the gutters. Blocked gutters full of leaves hold water for weeks after rain and are one of the most overlooked breeding sites in Cape Town homes.
Our process, step by step
Source reduction always comes first: we walk the property and find every place water collects, from gutters and drains to ponds, water features, plant saucers and covered pools, and tell you which ones to empty, fix or cover. Water that cannot be removed, such as ponds and drains, can be treated with a larvicide or insect growth regulator that stops larvae becoming adults. Adult mosquitoes rest in cool, shaded places during the day, so we apply a residual spray to the undersides of shrubs, hedges, eaves, patio ceilings and other resting areas. For events or heavy problems, ULV fogging can knock down adult numbers quickly, but it only works properly when combined with dealing with the breeding sites.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our mosquito control service works.
Stopping a repeat visit
- Stock ornamental ponds with small fish that eat larvae, and keep water features running.
- Fit mosquito screens to bedroom windows and use a net over cots in summer.
- Store old tyres, tins and containers under cover or throw them away.
- Empty pot-plant saucers, buckets, bird baths and pet water bowls at least once a week, because larvae develop into adults in about a week in hot weather.
- Keep pool water circulating and treated, and drain the water that collects on top of pool covers.
What affects the price
Cost depends on the size of the property, how many breeding sites there are and whether larger water bodies such as ponds or drains need treating. A once-off treatment is priced differently from a programme of visits through the summer season. Fogging for an event is quoted on the size of the area, and the quote itself is free.
Most mosquito problems on a normal suburban property can be cut dramatically by the owner just by emptying standing water every week. Plug-in repellents and sprays help you sleep, but they do nothing about where the mosquitoes come from. Call a professional when the breeding site is something you cannot fix yourself, like a large pond, a blocked drain or a neighbouring property, or when you need numbers down for an event.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there so many mosquitoes this summer?
Usually because a wet winter left more standing water, or a breeding site has developed close by, such as a blocked gutter or an untreated pond.
Can you treat before a wedding or function?
Yes. We usually inspect beforehand, deal with breeding sites and then fog or spray resting areas shortly before the event.
Does a thatched roof in Constantia need special treatment for borer?
The grass itself is not what borers are after, but the poles and battens holding it up can be. We inspect the visible timber for fresh holes and dust and treat only if there is active infestation.
Is there a malaria risk in Cape Town?
No, the Western Cape is not a malaria area. Mosquitoes here are a nuisance and cause itchy bites, but the main concern is comfort and sleep.
Can you stop squirrels getting into my roof in Constantia?
Yes, but the lasting fix is physical. We find where they are getting in, usually a fascia gap or loose ridge tile next to an oak branch, and advise on sealing it once the roof is empty; cutting branches back from the roof helps a lot.
Do you come out to Constantia for mosquito control?
Yes. Constantia is part of our regular Southern Suburbs route, along with Bergvliet, Tokai, Plumstead, Diep River. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
