Marina da Gama is built around a network of canals off Zandvlei, with houses that back right onto the water and little jetties at the end of the garden. Living on the water is lovely, but it also means midges, mosquitoes and rats are part of the conversation.
Marina da Gama: what drives crawling insects here
Spiders build webs on decks, jetties and window frames by the water. Fishmoths like the damp in cupboards near the canals.
Most homes are free-standing houses and townhouses from the 1970s onwards, many with timber decks, boathouses and jetties on the canals. The decks and boathouses give rats and spiders plenty of hiding spots. Tightly spaced houses mean a rodent problem next door can quickly become yours.
The canals connect to Zandvlei, a large estuary with reed beds and wetlands that open to False Bay. Warm, still water in summer is perfect for midges and mosquitoes. The South-Easter blows hard across the vlei, and winter storms can push the water level up.
Midges and mosquitoes are the main seasonal pests. Rats live along the canals and under decks. Spiders, fishmoths and ants are common inside homes near the water.
Signs to look for
- They turn up in shoes, towels or laundry left on the floor.
- Scorpions are seen on walls, patios or in the garage at night.
- Scorpions appear inside after building work, landscaping or clearing rubble nearby.
- A UV torch at night reveals scorpions glowing blue-green in the garden or along the walls.
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.
From the technician
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.
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.
How the treatment works
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.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our scorpion control service works.
Stopping a repeat visit
- 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.
- Fit brush strips under doors and seal gaps around pipes, airbricks and window frames.
- Move rubble, firewood, bricks and loose stones away from the walls of the house.
- 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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Why do scorpions come indoors?
They come in hunting insects or looking for shelter, often after rain floods their burrows or on hot nights. Gaps under doors and around pipes make it easy for them.
Do you come out to Marina da Gama for scorpion control?
Yes. Marina da Gama is part of our regular South Peninsula route, along with Muizenberg, Lakeside, Lavender Hill, Steenberg. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Can you get rid of the midges in Marina da Gama?
Not completely, because they breed in Zandvlei itself, which we can't treat. We can reduce resting midges around your home and advise on lighting and screens to keep them out.
Is the treatment safe for children and pets?
Products are applied outside around entry points and wall bases rather than in living areas. Keep children and pets off treated areas until dry, and we will advise you on the day.
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.
Are there rats under my deck by the canal?
Quite possibly. The space under decks and jetties is dark and sheltered, close to water, so rats like it. We can inspect, bait safely and seal off access.
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