Pest Certificate
Pest Clearance Certificate (Entomologist / Beetle Certificate) – A Legal Must When Selling Your Property
In KwaZuluNatal it is a legal requirement under the Transfer Duty Act and most deeds of sale that the seller provides a Pest Clearance Certificate (also called an Entomologist Certificate or Beetle Certificate) before transfer can take place. Without it, the conveyancer will not lodge the transfer documents at the Deeds Office, and the sale can be delayed or even cancelled.
What exactly is inspected?
A registered and qualified P.C.O. (Pest Control Operator) inspector will carry out a thorough, non-destructive visual inspection of all accessible timber in the property, including:
- Roof void (trusses, rafters, brandering, eaves)
- All visible floorboards, skirtings, door frames, window frames, and architraves
- Built-in cupboards, vanities, and shelving
- Garage roof and exposed beams
- External wooden decks, pergolas, fascias, and barge boards
- Any wooden outbuildings, Wendy houses,
The inspector is looking for active infestation or evidence of past infestation by any of the following regulated wood-destroying insects:
- Subterranean termites (“white ants”)
- Dry-wood termites
- Wood-boring beetles (commonly called “wood borer” or “furniture beetle”)
- Powder-post beetles
- Carpenter Bee
What happens during the inspection?
- The inspector taps skirtings, wooden door frames and window frames to hear if they are hollow
- Inspects roof timbers
- Inspects sub floor where applicable
- No ceilings or floors are lifted unless prior arrangement is made for a more invasive inspection.
- The entire process normally takes 45–90 minutes depending on the size of the house.
Possible outcomes
- Clear – No evidence of active or previous infestation
→ You receive your official Pest Clearance Certificate immediately (valid for 3 months - Infestation or damage found
→ A detailed report and quotation for treatment is issued on the spot.
→ Once you accept the quote, SWAT carries out the necessary treatment
A Clearence Certificate is then issued
This certificate is then forwarded directly to your conveyancing attorney so transfer can proceed without delays.
Why choose SWAT for your Beetle Inspection & Clearance?
- Fully registered with the Department of Agriculture (Act 36 of 1947) and SA Pest Control Association
- Certificates accepted by all major banks, attorneys, and bond registrars nationwide
- Transparent, competitive pricing
- One-stop service: inspection + treatment + clearance certificate under the same roof
- Digital certificates emailed instantly to your attorney
Don’t let a beetle problem hold up the sale of your biggest asset. Book your compulsory Pest Clearance Inspection today and get peace of mind that transfer will happen on time.
Call or WhatsApp SWAT Exterminators now – we’ll handle everything so you can hand over the keys with confidence!