Tokai sits at the foot of the Constantiaberg, with Tokai Forest and the Table Mountain National Park right behind it. Large plots, big gardens and that green backdrop mean wildlife and pests come with the territory.
The local picture in Tokai
Rats and field mice come down from the forest and nest in compost heaps, woodpiles and garden sheds. Grey squirrels are common in the large trees and sometimes get into roofs.
Homes here are mostly spacious, freestanding houses on generous plots, with pools, outbuildings and established trees. Some older homes have thatched roofs or large timber features, and there are a number of security estates and townhouse complexes. Garden cottages and staff quarters add more spaces for pests to hide.
Tokai Forest and the mountain slopes bring cool, damp air and lots of leaf litter. Winter rainfall is high here compared to the Cape Flats, so damp-loving insects thrive. Streams run down from the mountain, and many gardens have water features or ponds.
Rats and mice from the forest edge and big gardens are a common issue. Timber pests matter in thatched and older homes. Ants, spiders, fishmoths and the odd scorpion are frequent, and wasps nest in large gardens in summer.
From the technician
Because we do not use poison for squirrels, there is no risk to children, pets or owls from the treatment.
Grey squirrels were brought to Cape Town in the late 1800s and have spread across the Southern Suburbs since then.
What gives them away
- Shredded insulation, leaves and twigs found in the roof space.
- Chewed fascia boards, barge boards or roof edges with fresh wood exposed.
- Dug-up pot plants and bulbs, and nuts buried in garden beds.
- Scratching and running in the ceiling in the early morning and late afternoon, rather than at night.
- Chewed electrical cables or damaged ceiling boards.
- Squirrels seen jumping from a tree onto the roof and disappearing under the tiles.
How we handle squirrel control in Tokai
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.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our squirrel control service works.
Prevention that actually works
- Trim tree branches so they are at least two metres away from the roof.
- Use metal mesh, not plastic, over roof vents and gaps.
- Pick up acorns and fallen fruit regularly if you have big trees close to the house.
- 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.
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.
Questions we get asked in Tokai
Will you hurt the squirrels?
No. We use one-way exclusion devices and live traps, not poison.
Do you come out to Tokai for squirrel control?
Yes. Tokai is part of our regular Southern Suburbs route, along with Bergvliet, Kirstenhof, Constantia, Steenberg. Most bookings are done within about 48 hours, and after-hours visits can be arranged.
How often should a thatched roof in Tokai be checked for beetles?
Once a year is a good habit, and definitely before you sell. Early treatment is much simpler than dealing with heavy damage later.
Can squirrels damage my roof?
Yes. They chew fascia boards, roof edges and cables, and they nest in insulation.
Do rats come into Tokai homes from the forest?
Yes, the forest edge and big gardens support rodents that move into homes when it gets cold and wet. Sealing roof gaps and removing outdoor food sources makes your home far less attractive.
Do squirrels come back after removal?
They will try, which is why proper proofing with steel mesh is a key part of the job.
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