Ask anyone in Kirstenhof about pests and mosquitoes will come up first, thanks to the Westlake wetlands just down the road. After that it is roof rats, Argentine ants and paper wasps, which is pretty much the standard package for a green, garden-heavy suburb.
Crawling insects in Kirstenhof: what we see
Argentine ants trail through kitchens in summer, and crickets and rain spiders come in from the garden. American cockroaches use the drains.
Homes are mostly single-storey family houses and some townhouse complexes, built from the 1960s onwards, with gardens, pools and often thatched lapas. Many have big trees and shrubbery close to the walls. Thatch, timber decks and dense planting give pests places to hide.
The Westlake River and wetland system runs nearby, draining towards Zandvlei, and Tokai forest and the Steenberg mountains are just up the road. Winter rain is heavy and the wetlands fill up. Damp ground, reeds and standing water make it a natural mosquito and rodent area.
Mosquitoes near the wetlands, rats and mice in roofs and gardens, and Argentine ants are top of the list. Paper wasps, crickets and fleas are common in summer.
Tell-tale signs
- A UV torch at night reveals scorpions glowing blue-green in the garden or along the walls.
- Scorpions are found in pool filters, sumps or under pot plants after rain.
- Burrows with a crescent-shaped opening appear under rocks, at the base of walls or in sandy soil.
- Scorpions are seen on walls, patios or in the garage at night.
- There are lots of crickets, cockroaches or other insects around, which gives scorpions plenty to eat.
- Scorpions appear inside after building work, landscaping or clearing rubble nearby.
Worth knowing
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.
Our process, step by step
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.
- Identify the scorpion
A WhatsApp photo helps us tell whether it is a thick-tailed species that needs extra care.
- Inspect the property
We check walls, rockeries, woodpiles, paving and any gaps where scorpions shelter or get inside.
- Reduce their food
We treat for crickets, cockroaches and other insects that scorpions hunt.
- Treat hiding places and entry points
Residual products go along wall bases, thresholds, airbricks and other key spots outside.
- Remedial advice and report
You get a report with practical changes to the garden and building to make it less welcoming.
Stopping a repeat visit
- Use yellow or warm-coloured outside lights to attract fewer insects, which means fewer scorpions hunting them.
- Keep beds and cots away from walls and do not let bedding hang down to the floor.
- Wear gloves when gardening, moving stones or clearing debris.
- Fit brush strips under doors and seal gaps around pipes, airbricks and window frames.
- Shake out shoes, boots and towels before using them, especially those left outside or on the floor.
Pricing, honestly
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.
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.
Questions we get asked in Kirstenhof
Do Egyptian geese cause problems in Kirstenhof gardens?
They can foul lawns and pool areas and be aggressive when nesting. Bird deterrents and changing what attracts them to your garden can help.
Are scorpions in Cape Town dangerous?
Most are not, but thick-tailed Parabuthus species can deliver a serious sting. Treat any scorpion with a thick tail and slender pincers with caution.
Do you come out to Kirstenhof for scorpion control?
Yes. Kirstenhof is part of our regular Southern Suburbs route, along with Tokai, Heathfield, Steenberg, Lakeside. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Are the mosquitoes in Kirstenhof worse because of the wetlands?
Yes, the Westlake wetlands provide breeding sites, especially after winter rains. Removing standing water at home and treating resting sites in the garden reduces bites.
Can you get rid of scorpions completely?
Not entirely, especially next to veld or fynbos, because they move in from surrounding land. We can greatly reduce how many come close to and into the house.
What should I do if someone is stung?
Keep the person calm, note what the scorpion looked like or take a photo, and get medical advice. If it was a thick-tailed scorpion or there are symptoms like weakness or breathing trouble, go to a doctor or emergency unit straight away.
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