Pinelands was laid out as South Africa's first garden city, and its tall trees, wide verges and old thatched cottages still define it. Those same trees and roofs bring squirrels, rats and thatch beetles to our list here.
The local picture in Pinelands
Grey squirrels nest in roofs and thatch, and roof rats use trees to reach ceilings. Sealing roof gaps and trimming branches helps prevent re-entry.
Many homes are original cottages from the 1920s and 1930s, some still with thatched roofs, along with later brick houses and townhouse complexes. Big gardens and overhanging trees give rodents and squirrels easy access to roofs. Older timber floors and roof structures are prone to borer. Outbuildings, garages and garden sheds are common hiding places.
Pinelands is full of mature pines, oaks and green belts, with the Black River and Raapenberg bird sanctuary on its western edge. Winter rain keeps gardens damp, and summers are warm with the South-Easter. Green spaces and water attract birds and insects.
How to tell you have a problem
- Squirrels seen jumping from a tree onto the roof and disappearing under the tiles.
- Scratching and running in the ceiling in the early morning and late afternoon, rather than at night.
- Chewed electrical cables or damaged ceiling boards.
- Chewed fascia boards, barge boards or roof edges with fresh wood exposed.
- Dug-up pot plants and bulbs, and nuts buried in garden beds.
- Shredded insulation, leaves and twigs found in the roof space.
From the technician
Because we do not use poison for squirrels, there is no risk to children, pets or owls from the treatment.
Landlords often get the call from tenants about noises in the ceiling. Proofing the roof is a one-time investment that saves repeated call-outs.
Our process, step by step
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
- Use metal mesh, not plastic, over roof vents and gaps.
- Trim tree branches so they are at least two metres away from the roof.
- Do not feed squirrels in the garden, however cute they are.
- Fit squirrel guards on bird feeders, or move them away from the house.
- Check fascia boards and roof edges each year for chewed spots and repair them quickly.
What affects the price
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.
Squirrel Control questions from Pinelands
Will you hurt the squirrels?
No. We use one-way exclusion devices and live traps, not poison.
Do Pinelands thatched cottages get borer?
Yes, older thatch and timber often show borer activity. We inspect the thatch and roof timbers and advise on treatment.
Are grey squirrels protected in Cape Town?
Grey squirrels are not an indigenous species. We still remove them humanely and do not use poison.
Can squirrels damage my roof?
Yes. They chew fascia boards, roof edges and cables, and they nest in insulation.
Do you come out to Pinelands for squirrel control?
Yes. Pinelands is part of our regular Southern Suburbs route, along with Thornton, Ndabeni, Langa, Mowbray. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
Why are there squirrels in my Pinelands roof?
The tall trees give them easy access to roofs, and they nest in warm, dry spaces. We remove them and seal entry points.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp 074 697 2254