Upper Woodstock is the old residential heart of Woodstock, climbing from Victoria Road towards Devil's Peak. Rows of Victorian cottages, many lovingly restored, sit shoulder to shoulder, and their age and closeness explain most of what we find here.
Crawling insects in Upper Woodstock: what we see
American cockroaches climb up from the old drains, and fishmoths feed on paper and fabric in damp cupboards. Argentine ants come in from the small back yards.
Terraced and semi-detached Victorian cottages with pressed-steel ceilings, timber floors and narrow back yards are the norm. Shared walls and connected roof spaces let rats and mice move freely from one house to the next. Renovations sometimes open up old gaps that let pests in.
The Devil's Peak slopes are close, and the South-Easter funnels down the streets with surprising force in summer. Winter rain soaks old brickwork, and many cottages have damp walls and floors. Historic stormwater drains under the streets are home to rats and cockroaches.
Rats and mice are top of the list because of the old drains and shared roofs. Cockroaches and fishmoths enjoy the damp, and wood borer in floorboards and roof timbers is a common find. Pigeons roost on the older rooflines.
Signs to look for
- 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.
- There are lots of crickets, cockroaches or other insects around, which gives scorpions plenty to eat.
- They turn up in shoes, towels or laundry left on the floor.
- 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.
Worth knowing
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.
A common belief is that the bigger the scorpion, the more dangerous it is. In South Africa, it is the shape that matters: chunky pincers and a thin tail usually means mild venom, while slim pincers and a thick tail is the warning sign.
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
- 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.
- Fit brush strips under doors and seal gaps around pipes, airbricks and window frames.
- Use yellow or warm-coloured outside lights to attract fewer insects, which means fewer scorpions hunting them.
- Wear gloves when gardening, moving stones or clearing debris.
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 Upper Woodstock
Do restored Victorian floors in Upper Woodstock need borer treatment?
Not always, but older pine is prone to common furniture beetle. If you see small round holes or fine powder, it is worth having it inspected.
Do you come out to Upper Woodstock for scorpion control?
Yes. Upper Woodstock is part of our regular City Bowl & Atlantic Seaboard route, along with Woodstock, Walmer Estate, University Estate, Salt River. 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 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.
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.
Why do rats keep returning to my Upper Woodstock cottage?
In terraced rows, rats move through shared roof spaces and old drains. A joint treatment with neighbours, plus sealing the gaps in your roof and floor, gives lasting results.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
