Sea Point packs a lot into a narrow strip between Lion's Head and the promenade: tall blocks of flats, old Victorian homes, and a non-stop run of restaurants on Main and Regent roads. Most of our work here is in apartments and food businesses.
Sea Point: what drives crawling insects here
German cockroaches spread through blocks via kitchens and shared ducts, and American cockroaches come up from drains. Ants appear in hot weather.
High-rise and mid-rise blocks dominate, many built in the 1960s and 1970s with shared refuse rooms and service ducts. There are also older Victorian and Edwardian homes and a growing number of short-term rentals. Cockroaches and bed bugs spread between flats through ducts and with guests' luggage. Restaurants and takeaways along the main roads need ongoing commercial control.
The suburb runs along the Atlantic coast, with sea spray, salt air and the wind funnelling down from Lion's Head and Signal Hill. Winters are wet and summers windy and dry. The coastline and promenade attract gulls and pigeons, and the mountain slopes above bring in rodents.
German cockroaches and bed bugs are the top issues in flats and rentals. Rats around refuse areas and restaurants come next. Pigeons on balconies are a constant headache.
Tell-tale signs
- A UV torch at night reveals scorpions glowing blue-green in the garden or along the walls.
- Scorpions are seen on walls, patios or in the garage at night.
- Scorpions appear inside after building work, landscaping or clearing rubble nearby.
- 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.
- 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.
A note from the field
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.
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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Scorpion Control questions from Sea Point
Can you stop pigeons nesting on my Sea Point balcony?
Yes, we fit bird netting and spikes on balconies, ledges and aircon units. Check with your body corporate first, as some blocks have rules about what can be installed.
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.
How do you deal with bed bugs in a Sea Point short-term rental?
We treat all affected rooms and furniture and give you a prep list and report. Booking a quick turnaround between guests is possible on request.
Do you come out to Sea Point for scorpion control?
Yes. Sea Point is part of our regular City Bowl & Atlantic Seaboard route, along with Fresnaye, Bantry Bay, Three Anchor Bay, Green Point. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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.
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.
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