Fresnaye climbs the slopes above Sea Point toward Lion's Head, all steep streets, big houses and apartment blocks with sea views. Most calls here are about rats in roofs, ants in kitchens and pigeons on balconies.
Fresnaye: what drives crawling insects here
Argentine ants are common in summer, and fishmoths like the older homes. Scorpions and rain spiders turn up in homes at the top of the slope.
Homes range from large modern houses with flat roofs, pools and glass to older double-storey homes and blocks of flats. Many are built into the slope with retaining walls, basements and garden terraces, which create plenty of hidden voids. Flat roofs and roof gardens attract pigeons and gulls. Staff quarters, garages and pool rooms add more places to check.
Fresnaye runs up the lower slopes of Lion's Head and Signal Hill, with fynbos and greenbelt directly above many homes. The South-Easter can be fierce, and winter storms hit straight off the Atlantic. Water runs down the slopes in winter, and rodents move down with the weather.
Roof rats coming down from the mountain slopes are the main issue. Argentine ants, fishmoths and paper wasps are common, and pigeons and gulls cause trouble on balconies and flat roofs.
How to tell you have a problem
- Outside lights draw a cloud of moths and midges each night with webs built right around them.
- Untidy, tangled webs show up under outdoor chairs, in the meter box or around the pool pump.
- Cast skins and dead insects collect along skirting boards and in the backs of cupboards.
- Fresh webs reappear in the same corners, window frames and eaves within days of being brushed down.
- You keep finding small pale spiders in bedding, curtains or clothing that has been left folded.
Worth knowing
Daddy longlegs are often said to be the most venomous spider in the world with fangs too weak to bite. It is a myth. They are harmless to people and actually prey on other spiders, so a few in the corners of the house are not worth losing sleep over.
People often kill rain spiders on sight, but they rarely bite and they eat cockroaches. If one wanders in, a container and a piece of cardboard will get it outside without any fuss.
What happens when we come out
We start by identifying the species, because a rain spider on the wall and a nest of button spiders by the jungle gym call for very different responses. Webs and egg sacs are removed by hand or vacuum first, which takes out a surprising amount of the next generation. We then apply a residual spray or a fine insecticide dust into the places spiders actually live: roof voids, behind fitted units, wall cavities, garages, eaves and window reveals, keeping it away from where children and pets play. Where insects are drawing the spiders in, we treat or advise on that food source too, because spiders follow their prey. Finally we point out gaps around doors, vents and pipes that need sealing.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our spider control service works.
Prevention that actually works
- Shake out shoes, gardening gloves and clothes that have been left on the floor or in the garage before you put them on.
- Brush down webs regularly and vacuum the corners and the backs of cupboards, which gets rid of egg sacs before they hatch.
- Swap white outdoor bulbs for warm yellow or LED ones so fewer insects gather, which means fewer spiders setting up around your doors.
- Keep stacked wood, bricks and old pots away from the house walls, because these are prime spots for button spiders.
- Fit fine mesh to vents and seal the gaps around pipes and under doors with sealant or brush strips.
How much will it cost?
The cost depends mainly on the size of the property and how many outbuildings, garages and roof spaces need treatment. A house with a heavy insect problem feeding the spiders takes more work than one with a few webs in the corners. We give a free quote after a quick look or a WhatsApp photo, and contract clients get spiders covered as part of their routine visits.
Honestly, a broom, a vacuum and better outdoor lighting solve a lot of spider complaints without any chemical at all. Supermarket aerosols kill the spider you spray but do little for the ones in the roof void or wall cavity. If you suspect violin or button spiders, or you are seeing bites, get it looked at properly rather than guessing.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have so many spiders this year?
Usually because there is more for them to eat. A warm spell, a lot of outdoor lighting or an underlying insect problem will bring spiders in behind it.
Do the rats in Fresnaye come down from Lion's Head?
Many do, especially in winter. Homes on the upper streets see the most activity, and cutting back creepers and sealing roof gaps makes a big difference.
How long does a spider treatment last?
A residual treatment keeps working for a good while, and our treatments carry a minimum 3-month guarantee. New spiders can still wander in from the garden, which is why sealing gaps and fixing outdoor lighting matters.
What should I do if someone is bitten?
Clean the bite, keep the spider if you can safely do so for identification, and see a doctor, especially for a suspected button or violin spider bite. Do not rely on a pest controller for medical advice.
Do you come out to Fresnaye for spider control?
Yes. Fresnaye is part of our regular City Bowl & Atlantic Seaboard route, along with Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Clifton, Three Anchor Bay. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
How do I stop pigeons nesting on my Fresnaye balcony?
Netting the balcony or fitting spikes on ledges stops them landing. Clearing any old nests first is important to get rid of bird mites.
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