Melkbosstrand Scorpion Control

Melkbos still feels like a seaside village, even with the newer estates spreading along the R27. Wind, sand and kelp on the beach set the tone for what bugs people here, along with the open veld that surrounds the town.

Melkbosstrand: what drives crawling insects here

Crickets are loud in summer and come indoors, and Argentine ants trail through kitchens. Scorpions and sac spiders live in the dune scrub and come in under doors.

The old village has holiday cottages and family homes close to the beach, while the newer side is all security estates, golf estate houses and townhouse complexes. Holiday homes left closed for months tend to collect mice and fishmoths. Estates backing onto open strandveld get more field mice, crickets and spiders than the streets in the village.

From the technician

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.

What gives them away

1. Scorpions are found in pool filters, sumps or under pot plants after rain.
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. There are lots of crickets, cockroaches or other insects around, which gives scorpions plenty to eat.
5. Scorpions are seen on walls, patios or in the garage at night.

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.

What happens when we come out

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.

Keeping them out afterwards

• Shake out shoes, boots and towels before using them, especially those left outside or on the floor.
• 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.
• Wear gloves when gardening, moving stones or clearing debris.
• Use yellow or warm-coloured outside lights to attract fewer insects, which means fewer scorpions hunting them.

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.

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