Beetle Inspection Certificate Cape Town
“Most Cape Town Offers to Purchase include a “beetle clause” — a requirement that the seller arrange a beetle inspection. Cape Town’s standard Deed of Sale has included this clause since the 1940s, when wood-destroying insect infestations reached epidemic levels across the Cape Peninsula.” Today, the beetle inspection remains the seller’s responsibility. Inspecto’s SAPCA-registered inspectors have been performing beetle inspections across Cape Town and surrounds since 1995. If beetle is the only inspection requested, the current minimum call-out fee is R740; combined inspections follow the standard fee schedule.
Pricing: Beetle inspections from R425 per inspection when bundled with your other transfer certificates — VAT included. Bundle all five standard-house certificates from R2,700 upfront (R3,050 on transfer); apartments from R1,955. Use the pricing calculator for an exact quote before requesting an inspection.
What Does a Beetle Certificate Cover?
Our inspectors examine all accessible timber on the property for evidence of infestation by wood-destroying insects — most commonly Hylotrupes bajulus (the house longhorn beetle) and various borer species:
- Roof timbers — rafters, battens, purlins, and ceiling joists inspected for active infestation or historical damage
- Floor timbers — wooden floors, joists, and subfloor structures
- Door and window frames — particularly older hardwood frames susceptible to borer attack
- Wooden built-ins and structural timbers — skirting boards, cupboard frames, and other accessible timber throughout the property
- External timber — pergolas, wooden cladding, decking, and outbuildings where accessible
Only accessible timbers are inspected. Timbers concealed within walls or under screed cannot be inspected and are excluded. If infestation is found, the inspector will recommend treatment and/or replacement of affected timbers in accordance with SAPCA standards. Once rectification is complete, the Beetle-Free Certificate is issued.
Common Reasons Properties Fail an Inspection
Cape Town’s coastal climate creates excellent conditions for wood-boring insects. These are the most frequent findings:
- Active wood borer in roof timbers — fine dust (frass) falling from small exit holes is the telltale sign; common in older properties built before pre-treated timber was standard
- Historical damage with active infestation — older, untreated repairs can harbour live infestations
- Wooden floors in Southern Suburbs homes — Edwardian and Victorian-era properties with original Oregon pine floors are particularly vulnerable
- Outbuildings and Wendy houses — often overlooked by sellers; untreated timber in older structures is a frequent source
- Wooden window frames — especially in older Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl properties
- Pergolas and decking — exterior timber that is untreated or has degraded treatment
Beetle infestations, when caught early, are usually straightforward and affordable to treat. The problem comes when they are discovered last-minute under transfer pressure.
Why Book Your Beetle Inspection Early?
If treatment or timber replacement is needed, you will want time to arrange it without holding up your transfer. Book early, deal with any findings calmly, and have your certificate in hand before negotiations begin. Inspecto covers the full Cape Town metro — Northern Suburbs, Southern Suburbs, Atlantic Seaboard, Helderberg, and Winelands.
Why Choose Inspecto for Your Beetle Certificate?
Inspecto is a member of the South African Pest Control Association (SAPCA) — this is required by the standard beetle clause in most OTPs (Deed of Sale). To check if an inspector is registered with SAPCA, visit their website. With 30 years in Cape Town’s property transfer industry, we know what to look for and how to communicate findings clearly to all parties. Estate agents across the Cape Peninsula choose Inspecto because we show up, we are thorough, and we get the certificate out fast.
Book Your Beetle Inspection
To book your beetle inspection:
Fill in our online form
Call us on 021 551 4185
We inspect properties throughout the Cape Town metro: Northern Suburbs (Bellville, Durbanville, Kraaifontein, Brackenfell), Southern Suburbs (Claremont, Rondebosch, Kenilworth, Constantia, Tokai), Atlantic Seaboard (Sea Point, Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, Green Point), Helderberg (Somerset West, Strand, Gordon’s Bay), and Winelands (Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek).
Also need your Electrical, Water, Gas, or Electric Fence CoC?
Inspecto issues all five compliance certificates required for property transfer. View all compliance inspections →
Also commonly required: Electrical CoC Cape Town | Water CoC Cape Town
Video answers
Watch short Beetle certificate explanation videos
Short answers about beetle clauses, active infestation, treatment choices and seller obligations before transfer.
For the full set of short compliance videos, visit the Inspecto video guide library.