Newlands sits on the wet side of Table Mountain under big oaks and pines, and that moisture drives a lot of what we see here. Squirrels in roofs, fishmoths in cupboards and borer in old timber are bread and butter for us in this suburb.
Crawling insects around Newlands
Fishmoths, silverfish and woodlice thrive in shaded, damp houses. Ants trail inside after rain, and rain spiders wander in during summer.
There is a real mix: large older homes on generous plots, Newlands Village cottages, newer cluster homes and apartment blocks closer to Main Road and the sports grounds. Many of the older houses have timber floors, wooden ceilings and roof spaces that stay cool and damp. Leafy gardens and big trees overhang roofs, giving squirrels and rats a direct route in. Some homes have thatch outbuildings or pergolas.
Newlands is one of the wettest suburbs in Cape Town, with Newlands Forest and the Table Mountain National Park slopes right above it and the Liesbeek running through. Winter rain is heavy and long, and many properties stay shaded and damp for months. Mountain streams and forest edges bring wildlife close to gardens.
Tell-tale signs
- Scorpions appear inside after building work, landscaping or clearing rubble nearby.
- Burrows with a crescent-shaped opening appear under rocks, at the base of walls or in sandy soil.
- Scorpions are found in pool filters, sumps or under pot plants after rain.
- Scorpions are seen on walls, patios or in the garage at night.
- 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.
Worth knowing
For families with small children, simple habits like shaking out shoes, checking towels and keeping bedding off the floor are just as important as any treatment.
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.
Keeping them out afterwards
- 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.
- 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.
How much will it cost?
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
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.
Why are fishmoths so bad in Newlands houses?
Newlands is one of Cape Town's wettest suburbs, and fishmoths feed on starch and thrive in damp, shaded rooms. Reducing humidity and treating cupboards and skirtings brings them under control.
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.
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 Newlands for scorpion control?
Yes. Newlands is part of our regular Southern Suburbs route, along with Claremont, Rondebosch, Bishopscourt, Harfield Village. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
How do I get squirrels out of my Newlands roof?
We find the entry points, make sure the squirrels are out, and then seal the gaps with mesh so they cannot return. Trimming nearby branches is part of keeping them out.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254