Pest control in Florida Hills usually means rats getting into roofs in winter, subterranean termites in older timber, scorpions on rocky ground, paper wasps under eaves and moles in lawns. We inspect the house and garden, identify what's active, treat it properly and point out the changes that keep pests from coming straight back.
The suburb and its setting
Florida Hills lies on higher ground above Florida in Roodepoort, as the name suggests. It's a residential suburb of established family homes, many on sloping stands with rocky patches and big gardens, plus some cluster developments. A lot of the houses are several decades old, often with large roofs, outbuildings and garages, and with mature trees and shrubs around them.
The pest pattern follows from that. Large, established gardens give rodents and wasps plenty of cover. Rocky ground and stone walls bring scorpions. Older houses have timber that termites can reach, and lawns on deeper soil attract moles.
Common pests in Florida Hills
Rats and mice
Most rodent calls come in late autumn and winter. Rats climb trees and creepers, run along walls and get under roof sheeting and tiles; mice come in under garage doors and into storerooms. We bait outside in tamper-resistant stations, trap in the roof and identify the gaps to close. Our rat control in Roodepoort page goes into more detail.
Subterranean termites
In older Florida Hills houses, termites come up from the soil through cracks in foundations and paving joints, then hollow out door frames, skirting boards, roof timbers and stored boxes. Mud tubes are the clearest sign. We treat the soil around the affected area to stop the colony reaching the house. See termite control across Roodepoort for the details, including the 5-year guarantee and treatment certificate.
Scorpions
Rocky patches, stone walls and rockeries are where scorpions live, and they come indoors on warm summer nights. Treating their shelter close to the house and sealing door gaps keeps most of them out.
Paper wasps
From spring, paper wasps build their grey, umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, carports, pergolas and window frames. They're defensive, and a nest by a door or play area is a sting risk. We treat and remove nests. More on our wasp control in Roodepoort page.
Moles
Raised tunnels and fresh mounds in the lawn, often worst after summer rain, are the work of moles chasing earthworms and grubs. We find the active runs and deal with them.
How a visit works
- We walk the garden and check the roofline, the trees close to the house and any rocky areas.
- We get into the roof space where possible and check garages and outbuildings.
- We confirm the pest from droppings, damage, nests, tubes or tracks.
- We treat: bait stations, traps, termite soil treatment, residual sprays or nest treatment as needed.
- We give you a short list of entry points and fixes.
Our products are odourless and won't stain. You don't need to leave home; keep children and pets off treated surfaces until they're dry.
The seasonal pattern here
The year follows a predictable path. Wasps start building as the weather warms in September. Flying termites swarm from the ground after the first big storms. Moles become active as the soil softens with rain, and scorpions wander most on warm, humid nights. As autumn turns to winter, rodents become the main problem, and they stay that way until spring.
What people often get wrong
Leaving a wasp nest until it's huge because it looked small in spring. Paper wasp colonies grow through the summer, and a nest the size of a coin in October can be the size of a hand by February, with many more wasps defending it. Treat nests early, while they're small and quick to deal with.
A Florida Hills tip
Look at the trees closest to your roof. Cut back any branches within a metre of the eaves or gutters. It's the simplest way to stop roof rats, and it also keeps gutters clear of leaves that can hold water and attract mosquitoes.
What it costs and why
What you pay depends on the pest, the size of the house and garden, and how established the problem is. A single wasp nest or mole treatment is a modest job. Rats in a large roof with outbuildings need bait stations and follow-up visits, and termite work depends on how much soil must be treated. Every service page shows a guide "from" price, and you'll find them all on our Johannesburg pest control price list. We'll be straight with you if a small problem is something you can manage yourself.
Florida Hills is served as part of our pest control across Roodepoort, and we cover Florida just down the hill as well.
Combat Pest Control is owned by Jason van Heerden, a pest controller with 25 years' experience. We're registered with SAPCA and with the Department of Agriculture under Act 36, offer service within 24 hours, and stand behind general treatments with a 3-month guarantee. Call 084 200 2700, or WhatsApp us a photo of what's bothering you.
Questions we get asked
How much does pest control cost in Florida Hills?
Price is set by the pest and how big the property is. A wasp nest or mole treatment is a smaller job than rats in a big roof or termite work. See our price page for guide prices; we confirm after inspecting.
How do I know if I have termites or just old timber?
Termites leave mud tubes and hollow, soft timber. Old timber may be dry or cracked but feels solid. If you see mud tubes anywhere, call us.
When is the best time to deal with wasps?
Early in spring, when nests are small and there are fewer wasps. Nests grow quickly through summer.
Are mole treatments safe for my dog?
Yes, when done properly. We target the tunnels underground and tell you if any area should be kept off-limits for a while.
Will the rat treatment cause a smell?
Rodents occasionally die in hard-to-reach places, but baiting outside in stations and trapping inside reduces this risk a lot.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes. General treatments come with a 3-month guarantee, and termite treatments with a 5-year guarantee and certificate.