Macassar lies near False Bay between Khayelitsha and Somerset West, with the Eerste River reaching the sea close by and the big Macassar dunes along the coast. It's known for the Kramat of Sheikh Yusuf on the hill, and for a strong community with homes that have stood for generations.
The local picture in Macassar
Rats and mice go for chicken feed, grain and pet food stored in outbuildings. Rats also use the Eerste River banks for cover.
There's a mix of older brick family homes, newer government-subsidised housing and backyard rooms. Some plots have outbuildings, chicken runs or vegetable gardens, all of which attract rodents if feed and produce aren't stored well. Newer housing developments sometimes have gaps around roof sheeting where mice get in.
The Eerste River and its estuary bring reeds and wetland close to the town, and the Macassar dunes stretch along the coast. Sandy soil and strong South-Easter winds in summer move sand and litter about. Winters are wet, and low areas near the river hold water.
From the technician
When a technician inspects for squirrels, the first thing he looks at is the trees around the house, because the branches show where the squirrels are jumping onto the roof.
Because we do not use poison for squirrels, there is no risk to children, pets or owls from the treatment.
Tell-tale signs
- Dug-up pot plants and bulbs, and nuts buried in garden beds.
- Chewed electrical cables or damaged ceiling boards.
- Squirrels seen jumping from a tree onto the roof and disappearing under the tiles.
- Chewed fascia boards, barge boards or roof edges with fresh wood exposed.
Squirrels in the roof chew cables, which is a fire risk, and they damage insulation and ceiling boards. Their urine and droppings can stain ceilings and cause smells. They also chew through irrigation pipes, damage fruit trees and dig up gardens. A squirrel that dies in the roof leaves an unpleasant smell for weeks.
How we handle squirrel control in Macassar
We do not use poison for squirrels. Our approach is exclusion: we find every entry point and fit one-way exclusion devices so the squirrels can get out but not back in. Where it makes sense, live cage traps are used to remove squirrels from the roof. Once the roof is empty, we close the gaps with steel mesh and repair chewed areas so they cannot get back in. We also advise on trimming branches that give squirrels easy access to the roof.
- Roof inspection
We check the roof space and outside roof line to find nests and every entry point.
- Exclusion or trapping
One-way exclusion devices or live traps are fitted so the squirrels leave the roof.
- Confirm it is empty
We check that no squirrels or babies are left inside before anything is sealed.
- Proofing
Entry points are sealed with steel mesh and repairs, so they cannot chew back in.
- Report
You get a report with details of the work done and any trees to trim.
Keeping them out afterwards
- Do not feed squirrels in the garden, however cute they are.
- Trim tree branches so they are at least two metres away from the roof.
- Fit squirrel guards on bird feeders, or move them away from the house.
- Pick up acorns and fallen fruit regularly if you have big trees close to the house.
- Check fascia boards and roof edges each year for chewed spots and repair them quickly.
How much will it cost?
The cost depends on how many entry points there are, how high the roof is and how much repair and proofing is needed. A single gap is quick to deal with, but an older roof with many chewed areas takes longer. Trapping and follow-up visits are included in the free quote.
You can trim the trees and fix obvious gaps yourself, but sealing a roof with squirrels still inside is a mistake that leads to trapped animals and more damage. Getting them out humanely and proofing the whole roof line properly is a job worth getting professional help for.
Frequently asked questions
Do you come out to Macassar for squirrel control?
Yes. Macassar is part of our regular Helderberg route, along with Firgrove, Somerset West, Khayelitsha, Strand. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
How do I know it is squirrels and not rats?
Squirrels are active during the day, especially early morning, while rats are mostly active at night.
Are scorpions a problem near the Macassar dunes?
You may find them under stones and wood in sandy areas near the dunes. They rarely come indoors, but clearing debris around the house and shaking out shoes left outside is wise.
Do squirrels come back after removal?
They will try, which is why proper proofing with steel mesh is a key part of the job.
Are grey squirrels protected in Cape Town?
Grey squirrels are not an indigenous species. We still remove them humanely and do not use poison.
Do the rats in Macassar come from the Eerste River?
Some do. The river banks and reeds give them cover, but most rodents near homes are drawn by feed and food stored in outbuildings, so that's where we focus treatment.
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