Sunnydale Scorpion Control

Sunnydale shares the valley floor with Sun Valley but feels a bit more open, with the Noordhoek wetlands and Kommetjie Road close by. Pest work here tends to be about keeping the outdoors outdoors: the bush, the vlei and the wildlife all press right up against people's homes.

Crawling insects in Sunnydale: what we see

Argentine ants form huge trails across complexes, and fishmoths and silverfish thrive in damp built-in cupboards. Rain spiders and the odd scorpion come in from the bush.

You will find a mix of family homes, townhouse complexes and several newer gated developments, many with face brick walls and tiled roofs. Complexes share boundary walls and green spaces, so a rodent or ant problem in one unit often affects the whole row. A few properties have thatched lapas or wooden outbuildings that need extra attention.

How to tell you have a problem

1. Burrows with a crescent-shaped opening appear under rocks, at the base of walls or in sandy soil.
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. They turn up in shoes, towels or laundry left on the floor.

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

A UV torch is a useful tool for homeowners. Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light, which makes it much easier to see how many are around and where they are coming from.

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

• 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.
• Use yellow or warm-coloured outside lights to attract fewer insects, which means fewer scorpions hunting them.

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 Sunnydale

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