Pest control in Saxonwold is shaped by its trees and its age. Termites and wood borer go for old timber, roof rats use the canopy to reach the roof, bees settle in chimneys and wall cavities, and moles work through big lawns. We inspect the house and garden, treat the cause and give you proofing advice that lasts.
A suburb under a forest
Saxonwold takes its name from the Sachsenwald, the plantation of trees that once covered this ridge north of Parktown. Much of that canopy survived as the suburb was laid out, and today it's one of the most heavily wooded parts of Johannesburg, with the Johannesburg Zoo, Zoo Lake and the military history museum on its edges. Homes are mostly large, older houses on big stands, many with timber floors, wooden sash windows, servants' quarters and outbuildings, and gardens that have been growing for decades.
A garden that old holds a lot of dead wood: fallen branches, stumps from trees removed years ago, roots under the paving. That's food for termites. Trees that touch the roof give rats a bridge. Thick shade and moist soil keep insects active well into autumn.
Five problems we see again and again
1. Termites in the house and garden
Mud tubes up a foundation, papery skirting boards and swarms of flying termites from a wall after the first storm all point to a subterranean colony that has found the building. Our termite treatments in Rosebank and the surrounding suburbs use registered soil treatments or baiting, depending on the house, and come with a certificate and a 5-year termite guarantee.
2. Wood borer in floors and furniture
Neat round holes in floorboards, roof timbers or antique furniture, with fine powder underneath, mean beetle larvae are feeding in the wood. In a house this age it's common, and it's treatable without lifting the floor. Read about our wood borer work around Rosebank for the detail.
3. Roof rats
The single biggest call from Saxonwold. Rats run along branches, drop onto the roof and squeeze under eaves or loose tiles. We bait in lockable stations at ground level, trap in the roof and point out the entry points to close.
4. Bees and wasps
Bee swarms like old chimneys, hollow walls and the space under a floor. Where we can, we work with a beekeeper so the bees are moved rather than killed, then seal the gap. Paper wasps build under eaves and in shrubs in late summer; nests near doors and pool areas are treated and removed.
5. Moles and lawn damage
Big lawns in moist soil attract moles, which leave ridges and fresh heaps of soil. Harvester termites, which strip grass in a dry winter, cause a different kind of damage. We confirm which it is before treating.
How we work on a big property
An old house on a large stand takes time to inspect properly. We look in the roof space, under the floors where there's access, in cupboards, outbuildings and staff rooms, and then walk the garden for stumps, wood piles and termite activity. You'll get a plain explanation of what we found. Our sprays don't smell or leave marks on wooden floors, and household routines can carry on; the only precaution is to let treated surfaces dry before children and pets go near them.
A mistake we see in older homes
Owners sometimes remove a big tree and leave the stump in the ground to rot. A large stump close to the house can feed a termite colony for years, and when the stump is finished the colony looks for the next meal, which is often the house. If you're taking out a tree, grind or dig out the stump as well.
A Saxonwold tip
Ask your tree feller to cut back any branch that touches the roof, and to leave at least a metre of clear air between canopy and gutters. Since you're paying for the tree work anyway, it's the cheapest rat proofing you'll ever do.
What it costs and why
Size is the big factor. A large old house with a big roof needs more bait stations, more inspection time and often a follow-up visit. Termite treatments are priced on the length of the perimeter, the amount of paving to drill through and how much activity there is; wood borer depends on how much timber is affected. Bee removal and wasp nests are usually smaller jobs. Our price guide for pest control in Johannesburg shows the starting point for each, and we'll quote after we've looked.
Saxonwold is part of our Rosebank pest control coverage, and we also look after homes in neighbouring Parkview.
Behind Combat Pest Control is Jason van Heerden, who owns the business and has spent 25 years in the trade. We're members of SAPCA and registered with the Department of Agriculture under Act 36, service within 24 hours is standard, and general treatments come with a 3-month guarantee. Ring 084 200 2700 and describe what you've found, or put a photo of the tubes or droppings on WhatsApp for our view.
Questions we get asked
How much does a termite or wood borer treatment cost in Saxonwold?
It depends on the size of the house and how much is affected. Termite treatments are priced on the perimeter and paving; wood borer on the amount of timber. The guide prices page has the starting figures, and the inspection gives you an exact quote.
Can wood borer be treated without replacing the floor?
Usually, yes. We treat the affected timber directly. Only boards that have lost their strength need replacing.
Do you kill bees?
We'd rather not. Where possible we work with a beekeeper to remove the swarm alive, and we only treat a colony when removal isn't practical or safe.
How do rats get into a roof with no holes?
There are almost always gaps you can't see from the ground: under the eaves, between tiles, at the gutter line or where pipes go through. Rats need a gap about the width of your thumb.
Is it safe to treat with dogs in the garden?
Yes. Rat bait is locked inside tamper-resistant stations, and dogs can go back on treated areas once they've dried.
How long does a termite treatment protect the house?
Our termite treatments carry a 5-year guarantee with a certificate. New paving, extensions or flowerbeds against the wall can break the treated zone, so tell us before you renovate.