Strandfontein sits right on the False Bay shoreline at the southern edge of the Cape Flats, with sand dunes on one side and Mitchells Plain on the other. It is a quieter, more settled suburb than many people assume, and the pest picture is shaped heavily by sand, wind and the wetlands next door.
The local picture in Strandfontein
Black and Argentine ants nest in the sandy soil right up against foundations. German cockroaches are mostly a kitchen problem, while the odd scorpion or spider comes in from the dune scrub.
Most homes are freestanding brick houses on modest plots, many extended over the years with back rooms, garages and enclosed stoeps. Those add-ons often leave small gaps where new walls meet old ones, which mice and cockroaches use. There are also shops and community facilities near the main roads and the pavilion area.
The Strandfontein wastewater works and the birding area beside it hold large open ponds, so mosquitoes and midges are part of life here, especially on still evenings. Loose Cape Flats sand blows in on the South-Easter and drifts against walls and under doors. Winter rain can leave low spots waterlogged for weeks.
Mosquitoes are the complaint we hear most in the warmer months, followed by ants that nest easily in the sandy soil. Rats and mice are common where there is open land and dumping nearby. Fleas, flies and German cockroaches round out the regular calls.
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.
Signs to look for
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
What happens when we come out
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.
Prevention that actually works
- 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.
- Shake out shoes, boots and towels before using them, especially those left outside or on the floor.
- Wear gloves when gardening, moving stones or clearing debris.
- Fit brush strips under doors and seal gaps around pipes, airbricks and window frames.
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 Strandfontein
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.
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.
Are the mosquitoes in Strandfontein coming from the sewage works ponds?
Partly. The ponds and the wetland around them are a big breeding source, but water in gutters, pot plants and blocked drains at your own home adds to it, and that part we can help you control.
Why do ants keep coming back even after I spray in Strandfontein?
Surface spray kills the workers you can see, but the nest sits in the sand under or beside your foundations. Baiting and treating the nest area works far better than repeat spraying.
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.
Do you come out to Strandfontein for scorpion control?
Yes. Strandfontein is part of our regular Cape Flats route, along with Mitchells Plain, Pelican Park, Lotus River, Grassy Park. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
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