Pest control in Linksfield is shaped by the ridge. Steep, rocky stands and natural bush bring scorpions, spiders, bees and wasps close to the house, while big gardens and older homes see roof rats and termites. We inspect the whole stand, from the rock faces to the roof space, then treat the cause and suggest changes that keep pests out.
Living on Linksfield Ridge
Linksfield is an established suburb in the east of the city, spread over the slopes of the Linksfield ridge, with Glenhazel, Sandringham and Bedfordview nearby. Homes on the upper slopes sit on steep stands with natural rock, indigenous bush and terraced gardens; lower down, the stands are flatter, with lawns, pools and mature trees. The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club sits on the suburb's edge. Houses range from large mid-century family homes to modern rebuilds and some cluster developments.
The ridge is what makes Linksfield different. A lot of rock, a lot of undisturbed bush and big temperature swings between sunny rock faces and cold winter nights give many pests a natural home right next to the house. You can't change the ridge, but you can change how easy it is for those pests to come indoors.
Scorpions
Scorpions are the call we take most often from the upper slopes. They hide under rocks, in retaining walls, loose paving, firewood and garden debris, and wander indoors on warm summer nights, often ending up in shoes, under towels or in the bath. Remember the local rule of thumb: thick tail and small pincers means more potent venom, so treat those with extra care. We treat walls, rockeries and the base of the house and advise on clearing shelter. More on our scorpion control in Johannesburg page.
Bees and wasps in the rocks
Wild bee colonies settle in rock crevices, hollow walls and roof gaps on ridge properties, and swarms are common in spring. Where we can, we work with a beekeeper to remove a colony rather than destroy it. Paper wasps nest under eaves and in pergolas, and defend those nests fiercely if a gardener disturbs them. Our page on bees in the Rosebank area explains the options.
Spiders and ticks
The same rocky shelter suits spiders, and homes backing onto bush see more of them in garages, outbuildings and under outdoor furniture. Dogs that roam the ridge bring ticks home, so garden edges and pet sleeping areas often need attention too.
Roof rats and termites
Lower down, mature trees bring roof rats onto roofs, and older homes with timber trusses, floors and built-in cupboards are targets for subterranean termites. On flatter lawns, harvester termites strip grass in dry winters. We confirm which termite it is before treating; structural treatments carry a 5-year guarantee with a certificate. For the full picture, see termite treatment across the city.
How we treat ridge properties
We walk the whole stand, including the rock faces and outbuildings, and check the roof space if there's access. Treatments are odourless and non-staining, and you don't need to leave the house; dogs and small children should simply stay off treated areas until they're dry. On steep stands we focus on the zone closest to the house, because that's where a barrier does the most good. Most ridge homes do best with a treatment in late spring, just before scorpion and spider activity peaks, and a check later in summer if anything is still coming in.
A Linksfield tip
Keep a clear, bare strip of at least a metre between rockeries or bush and the walls of the house, and fit brush strips to the bottom of outside doors. Scorpions and spiders cross open ground reluctantly, and most come indoors under a door.
The mistake to avoid
Moving rocks or firewood bare-handed to look for scorpions. Many of the stings we hear about happen this way. Use gloves and a tool, or leave it for us. The second mistake is spraying a scorpion you've found indoors with household insecticide and assuming it's over; where there's one, there are usually more in the walls and rockery outside.
What it costs and why
On ridge properties the price depends mainly on the size of the stand and how much rock, wall and garden needs treating, along with the number of pests involved. A combined treatment for scorpions, spiders and general insects costs less than separate visits. Bee removal depends on where the colony is and how much has to be opened up. Termite work is priced on the perimeter of the building. Guide "from" prices for each service are listed on our Johannesburg pest control prices.
Linksfield falls within the area on our Rosebank pest control hub, and pest control in Glenhazel, below the ridge, has its own page.
Combat Pest Control is owned and run by Jason van Heerden, who has 25 years of experience. We're SAPCA registered and registered with the Department of Agriculture, offer service within 24 hours, and if a treated pest returns within 3 months, we come back. Call 084 200 2700, or WhatsApp us a photo of the scorpion or nest.
Questions we get asked
How dangerous are the scorpions on Linksfield Ridge?
Most stings are painful but not life-threatening for healthy adults. Thick-tailed scorpions with small pincers deserve more care, and children and elderly people should see a doctor after any sting.
How do I stop scorpions coming into the house?
Clear rocks, wood and debris from near the walls, fit brush strips to outside doors and have the house perimeter and rockeries treated.
Can you remove bees from a rock crevice?
We work with a beekeeper where possible. If the colony can't be safely removed, we treat it and seal the gap.
What does scorpion treatment cost on a big ridge stand?
It depends on how much rock, wall and garden needs treating. A combined visit with other pests costs less; we quote after inspecting.
How often should a ridge property be treated?
Most homes do well with a treatment before summer, when scorpions and spiders become active, and a check if activity returns.
Is the treatment safe for my dogs?
Yes, once surfaces are dry. Keep the dogs inside or in another part of the garden until then.