Scorpion Control in Scarborough

Scarborough is a small, quiet village on the Atlantic side of the peninsula, wedged between fynbos-covered mountain and a wild stretch of beach. Many homes stand empty for weeks at a time, and pests make the most of that.

Crawling insects in Scarborough: what we see

Fishmoths love the damp, salty air and stored linen, and rain spiders and other spiders shelter in cottages. Ants trail in through window frames in summer.

Homes range from older wooden holiday cottages and timber-clad houses to modern architect-designed places on the slopes. Some have thatch or exposed timber, and many have large decks. Holiday homes that sit closed up for long periods let rodents, fishmoths and cockroaches settle in without anyone noticing. Wood and damp sea air together put timber at risk.

Mice and rats are the main issue in closed-up homes, followed by fishmoths and wood borer in damp timber. Ants and spiders are common in summer. Wasps nest on decks and under eaves.

Worth knowing

People often try to spray scorpions with household insecticide and are surprised when nothing happens. Scorpions are tough against contact sprays, so a treatment plan has to focus on hiding places, entry points and their food.

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.

What gives them away

1. They turn up in shoes, towels or laundry left on the floor.
2. There are lots of crickets, cockroaches or other insects around, which gives scorpions plenty to eat.
3. Scorpions are seen on walls, patios or in the garage at night.
4. A UV torch at night reveals scorpions glowing blue-green in the garden or along the walls.
5. Burrows with a crescent-shaped opening appear under rocks, at the base of walls or in sandy soil.
6. Scorpions appear inside after building work, landscaping or clearing rubble nearby.

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.

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.

Want the full step-by-step? See how our scorpion control service works.

Keeping them out afterwards

• 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.
• Move rubble, firewood, bricks and loose stones away from the walls of the house.
• Wear gloves when gardening, moving stones or clearing debris.
• Shake out shoes, boots and towels before using them, especially those left outside or on the floor.

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions

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