Pinelands was laid out as South Africa's first garden city, and its tall trees, wide verges and old thatched cottages still define it. Those same trees and roofs bring squirrels, rats and thatch beetles to our list here.
Pinelands: what drives crawling insects here
Fishmoths do well in older homes, and ants come indoors in dry weather. Spiders and crickets are common in leafy gardens.
Many homes are original cottages from the 1920s and 1930s, some still with thatched roofs, along with later brick houses and townhouse complexes. Big gardens and overhanging trees give rodents and squirrels easy access to roofs. Older timber floors and roof structures are prone to borer. Outbuildings, garages and garden sheds are common hiding places.
Pinelands is full of mature pines, oaks and green belts, with the Black River and Raapenberg bird sanctuary on its western edge. Winter rain keeps gardens damp, and summers are warm with the South-Easter. Green spaces and water attract birds and insects.
Squirrels and rats in roofs are the most common calls, along with thatch and wood borer problems. Mosquitoes near the river and Egyptian geese in parks are regular issues. Fishmoths and ants appear in older homes.
Something most people miss
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.
Tell-tale signs
- Burrows with a crescent-shaped opening appear under rocks, at the base of walls or in sandy soil.
- There are lots of crickets, cockroaches or other insects around, which gives scorpions plenty to eat.
- They turn up in shoes, towels or laundry left on the floor.
- Scorpions are found in pool filters, sumps or under pot plants after rain.
How we handle scorpion control in Pinelands
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Move rubble, firewood, bricks and loose stones away from the walls of the house.
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.
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.
Scorpion Control questions from Pinelands
Do Pinelands thatched cottages get borer?
Yes, older thatch and timber often show borer activity. We inspect the thatch and roof timbers and advise on treatment.
Why are there squirrels in my Pinelands roof?
The tall trees give them easy access to roofs, and they nest in warm, dry spaces. We remove them and seal entry points.
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 Pinelands for scorpion control?
Yes. Pinelands is part of our regular Southern Suburbs route, along with Thornton, Ndabeni, Langa, Mowbray. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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.
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.
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