Newlands sits on the wet side of Table Mountain under big oaks and pines, and that moisture drives a lot of what we see here.
Mosquitoes in Newlands
Mosquitoes in Newlands breed in gutters blocked with oak leaves and pine needles, in garden ponds and water features, in birdbaths and pot saucers, and along the slow, shaded stretches of the Liesbeek and the mountain streams. Because Newlands is so wet and shaded, standing water lasts well into spring, and the damp gardens give adult mosquitoes plenty of cool places to rest during the day.
We find and treat breeding water around your home and the shady resting spots in the garden. Clearing gutters after the autumn leaf fall and again after the winter storms is the biggest help.
Signs to look for
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Why it matters: 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
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.
Prevention that actually works
- 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.
- Store old tyres, tins and containers under cover or throw them away.
- Clean gutters after winter so they do not hold water through summer.
- Keep pool water circulating and treated, and drain the water that collects on top of pool covers.
- Stock ornamental ponds with small fish that eat larvae, and keep water features running.
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.
Mosquitoes start building up once the weather warms in October and peak from December to March, especially after a wet winter has filled ponds, vleis and gutters. Calm, humid evenings are the worst, while the strong south-easter actually keeps them down on windy days. Numbers drop sharply when the cold, wet winter sets in from about May.
Mosquito Control questions from Newlands
Does fogging get rid of mosquitoes?
Fogging kills adults that are flying at the time, but new ones will hatch from any untreated water. It works best as part of a plan that deals with breeding sites.
Where do mosquitoes in Newlands breed?
Often in blocked gutters and water features close to home.
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.
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.
Are the treatments safe for fish in my pond?
We choose larvicides suitable for the situation and will tell you if a product is not appropriate for a fish pond. In many cases, fish themselves are the best control.
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