Plattekloof sits high on the Tygerberg Hills above the N1, so most of our calls here are about pests coming in from the hillside rather than from neighbours. Big gardens, open veld on the ridge and a busy office node lower down give it a mix of household and commercial work.
Plattekloof: what drives crawling insects here
Brown house ants and black garden ants are steady in summer, and the rocky gardens give scorpions and rain spiders places to hide. Large kitchens and pantries can carry German cockroaches if they get in with deliveries.
Most homes are large, freestanding family houses from the 1970s onwards, with tiled roofs, double garages and a fair number of pools. There are also townhouse complexes and the office parks off Plattekloof Road. The bigger houses have plenty of roof void and garage storage, which is where rodents and cockroaches settle in unnoticed. Office blocks and their kitchens need regular scheduled checks rather than once-off sprays.
The suburb runs up the slopes of the Tygerberg Hills, with Tygerberg Nature Reserve and undeveloped veld not far off. Winters are wet and windy, summers hot and dry, and the ridge catches the full force of the South-Easter. That mix pushes insects and rodents indoors when the first cold fronts arrive.
Mice and roof rats moving in from the veld edge each autumn are the main complaint. In summer it shifts to ants, wasps around the eaves and the odd scorpion in garden walls. Office kitchens and canteens in the business parks mostly need German cockroach control.
Signs to look for
- 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.
- Burrows with a crescent-shaped opening appear under rocks, at the base of walls or in sandy soil.
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
The first thing a technician checks on a scorpion call is what is lying against the house. Rubble, firewood, stacked pots and loose paving are prime scorpion hiding spots, and moving them often makes the biggest difference.
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
- Use yellow or warm-coloured outside lights to attract fewer insects, which means fewer scorpions hunting them.
- Keep beds and cots away from walls and do not let bedding hang down to the floor.
- 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.
- 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 Plattekloof
Do you come out to Plattekloof for scorpion control?
Yes. Plattekloof is part of our regular Northern Suburbs route, along with Panorama, Parow, Monte Vista, Goodwood. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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.
Why do I get more mice in Plattekloof when it starts raining?
The first cold fronts flush mice out of the veld on the hill and they head for warm roofs and garages. Proofing entry points in April and May usually stops the seasonal wave.
Can you service the office parks in Plattekloof after hours?
Yes, after-hours and weekend visits can be arranged on request so staff are not disturbed. We leave a post-treatment report so building managers have a record.
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.
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.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254