Scorpion Control: a Cape Town guide

Know what you are dealing with

Scorpions found around Cape Town and the Western Cape include burrowing scorpions (Opistophthalmus species), which have large, heavy pincers and fairly thin tails and are mostly harmless to people. Parabuthus species, including Parabuthus capensis, have thin pincers and a thick tail, and these are the ones to treat with real caution because their venom can cause serious symptoms. Lesser thick-tailed scorpions (Uroplectes species) are smaller and often found under bark, stones and in garden debris; their stings are painful but rarely serious in healthy adults. A rough rule of thumb in South Africa is that big pincers with a thin tail means less venom, and small pincers with a thick tail means more.

Myths, mistakes and lesser-known facts

For families with small children, simple habits like shaking out shoes, checking towels and keeping bedding off the floor are just as important as any treatment.

Dogs that dig and paw at things in the garden are often the ones that get stung. Keeping rockeries and woodpiles away from the areas where pets play helps a lot.

A UV torch is a useful tool for homeowners. Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light, which makes it much easier to see how many are around and where they are coming from.

Warning signs

1. Scorpions are seen on walls, patios or in the garage at night.
2. They turn up in shoes, towels or laundry left on the floor.
3. Burrows with a crescent-shaped opening appear under rocks, at the base of walls or in sandy soil.
4. Scorpions are found in pool filters, sumps or under pot plants after rain.
5. There are lots of crickets, cockroaches or other insects around, which gives scorpions plenty to eat.
6. A UV torch at night reveals scorpions glowing blue-green in the garden or along the walls.
7. Scorpions appear inside after building work, landscaping or clearing rubble nearby.

Most scorpion stings in the Western Cape cause local pain and swelling similar to a bee sting. Stings from thick-tailed Parabuthus species can be much more serious, especially for small children, the elderly and people with medical conditions, and need prompt medical attention. Pets, particularly curious dogs and cats, can also be stung. If someone is stung by a thick-tailed scorpion or shows symptoms such as muscle weakness, trouble swallowing or difficulty breathing, get medical help straight away.

Can you do it yourself?

Clearing rubble, sealing gaps and using a UV torch to find scorpions at night can make a real difference without any chemicals. Sprays from the shop do little against scorpions because they are quite resistant to contact products. If you have small children or are finding thick-tailed scorpions, have a professional deal with it.

Seasonal pattern

Scorpions are most active in the warm months from late spring to early autumn, especially on hot, still nights. The first rains of the season can flood burrows and drive them indoors or into garages. In winter they become much less active and stay in their burrows.

Prevention checklist

• Shake out shoes, boots and towels before using them, especially those left outside or on the floor.
• Move rubble, firewood, bricks and loose stones away from the walls of the house.
• Fit brush strips under doors and seal gaps around pipes, airbricks and window frames.
• Keep beds and cots away from walls and do not let bedding hang down to the floor.
• Use yellow or warm-coloured outside lights to attract fewer insects, which means fewer scorpions hunting them.
• Wear gloves when gardening, moving stones or clearing debris.

What affects the price

The cost depends on the size of the property and garden, how much hiding space there is in rockeries and walls, and whether an insect treatment is needed to reduce their food. Properties on the edge of open veld or fynbos tend to have more ongoing pressure and may benefit from regular treatments. Follow-ups and any contract options are included in a free quote.

Frequently asked questions

Areas we cover for scorpion control