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.
Kommetjie: what drives rodents here
Field mice and striped mice move from the fynbos into homes in winter. Rats are less common than in town but do show up near bins and compost.
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.
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.
Mice and rats from the fynbos, scorpions and spiders, and wood borer in timber homes are typical. Mosquitoes near the wetlands and fleas from pets are also common.
Signs to look for
- A sharp, ammonia-like smell inside closed cupboards.
- Tiny footprints or tail marks in dust on top of cupboards or in the garage.
- Small droppings about the size of a grain of rice in drawers, cupboards and along skirtings.
- Light scratching in the walls or under the kitchen units at night.
Mice urinate constantly as they move, which contaminates food, crockery and work surfaces. They can carry salmonella and other bacteria into kitchen areas, which is a real problem for food businesses and homes with babies. They chew through wiring behind appliances and inside walls, and they ruin stored linen, paperwork and books. Because a female mouse can have a new litter every few weeks, a couple of mice quickly becomes a cupboard full.
Something most people miss
For homes with toddlers and pets, traps can go inside lockable boxes or behind appliances where little hands cannot reach.
Our process, step by step
We start by finding where they get in and where they nest, which is usually a gap behind the stove, around a geyser pipe or under a kitchen unit. Indoors we mainly use snap traps and enclosed traps placed along the walls, because mice run close to edges and are curious enough to investigate. Where baiting is needed, it goes inside tamper-resistant stations that children and pets cannot open, after a bait risk assessment. We then seal the entry points with steel wool, mesh and sealant, because mice can squeeze through a hole about the width of a pencil. A follow-up visit checks the traps and confirms the activity has stopped.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our mouse control service works.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Seal the gaps where pipes and cables come through walls, especially under the sink.
- Move cereal, pasta, rice and pet food into hard plastic or glass containers with good lids.
- Pull the stove and fridge out once in a while and clean the crumbs and grease behind them.
- Do not leave pet food out overnight in the kitchen.
- Keep the garage tidy, since boxes on the floor make perfect mouse nests.
How much will it cost?
The price depends on how many rooms are affected, how long the mice have been there and how many gaps need sealing. A single kitchen is quicker than a whole house with mice in the walls and the garage. Follow-up visits are usually included, and the quote is free.
Mice move indoors when Cape Town's winter rains and colder nights start, usually from late April, and the numbers stay high until spring. In the Boland, harvest time and ploughing can push field mice towards farm buildings too.
Mouse Control questions from Kommetjie
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.
How long does mouse control take?
Most homes are clear in two to three weeks once the traps are set and the gaps are sealed.
What is the best bait for a mouse trap?
Peanut butter works better than cheese, and only a small dab is needed so the mouse has to work at it.
Do you come out to Kommetjie for mouse 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.
Do you use poison in the kitchen?
We prefer traps in kitchens and food areas. If bait is needed, it is kept in sealed stations.
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.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
