Masiphumelele, or Masi as most people call it, sits on Kommetjie Road beside the Noordhoek wetlands. It's a dense community where formal houses, backyard rooms and informal structures stand close together, so pests spread quickly from one home to the next.
Crawling insects in Masiphumelele: what we see
German cockroaches are common in kitchens and spaza shops. Ants come in during summer.
There are brick houses and flats in the formal part, surrounded by informal homes built from timber and corrugated iron. Shared walls, narrow lanes and limited storage space make it hard to keep food sealed, which draws rodents and cockroaches. Informal structures on low ground can be flooded in winter, pushing rats into drier homes.
Rats, cockroaches and mosquitoes are the most common pests. Bed bugs and fleas are a frequent issue in crowded rooms. Flies increase around waste points in summer.
What gives them away
- 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.
- Scorpions are found in pool filters, sumps or under pot plants after rain.
- They turn up in shoes, towels or laundry left on the floor.
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.
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.
How we handle scorpion control in Masiphumelele
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.
Keeping them out afterwards
- 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.
- Wear gloves when gardening, moving stones or clearing debris.
- Keep beds and cots away from walls and do not let bedding hang down to the floor.
- Move rubble, firewood, bricks and loose stones away from the walls of the house.
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.
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.
Scorpion Control questions from Masiphumelele
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.
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.
Do you come out to Masiphumelele for scorpion control?
Yes. Masiphumelele is part of our regular South Peninsula route, along with Noordhoek, Kommetjie, Sun Valley, Ocean View. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Why are there more rats in Masiphumelele in winter?
When the wetland and low-lying areas flood, rats lose their burrows and move into homes looking for dry places and food. Sealing food and treating several homes together helps.
How do I tell a dangerous scorpion from a harmless one?
Look at the pincers and tail. Big, heavy pincers with a thin tail usually means mild venom; small pincers with a thick tail means you should be careful. Send us a photo if unsure.
Can you help with bed bugs in a shared room?
Yes. We treat all beds, mattresses and furniture in the room at once and show you how to prepare so the treatment works properly.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
