Scorpion Control in Cape Town

What we deal 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.

Signs to look for

How we treat it

Scorpions are harder to kill with contact sprays than most insects, so we focus on a combination of habitat reduction and targeted treatment. We apply a residual treatment to entry points, door thresholds, wall bases, airbricks and known hiding spots around the outside of the house. Because scorpions follow their food, we also treat for crickets, cockroaches and other insects that attract them. Where burrows are found, they can be treated directly. We pair this with practical advice on clearing debris and sealing gaps, which is often what makes the biggest difference.

Things most people don't know

A common belief is that the bigger the scorpion, the more dangerous it is. In South Africa, it is the shape that matters: chunky pincers and a thin tail usually means mild venom, while slim pincers and a thick tail is the warning sign.

The first thing a technician checks on a scorpion call is what is lying against the house. Rubble, firewood, stacked pots and loose paving are prime scorpion hiding spots, and moving them often makes the biggest difference.

People often try to spray scorpions with household insecticide and are surprised when nothing happens. Scorpions are tough against contact sprays, so a treatment plan has to focus on hiding places, entry points and their food.

When it peaks in Cape Town

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.

DIY or call a professional?

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.

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.

Preventing it coming back

• 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.

Frequently asked questions

Scorpion Control by area

We cover all of these suburbs from our base in Brackenfell. Pick yours for local advice.