Roach Issues

[DSkip]

I've killed about 100 large roaches tonight. That makes about 300 in the last 3 weeks. This is the second time we have had to empty out our cabinets/closets for the exterminator. The exterminator is now dealing with me directly because of the landlord's inability to cooperate with his treatments. He said he looked through the neighboring apartments and none of them have any issues. I don't know how that's possible since we are pretty anal with our cleaning.

I'm so damn tired of this crap. I'm mentally and physically fatigued and absolutely hate that we have to live here. Even worse is that my 3 month old son has to live here. Even right now, I see four crawling right in front of me.




Sigh.....

[fishbones]

Maybe a couple bug bombs? Set it in the morning and go out for the day. Make sure all the cabinets and doors are open. Maybe that will get into the walls/crevices of wherever they're coming from? Be careful of food left out with it....good luck!

[janmike]

I could not not deal with that. All the best in your ordeal.

[messiah]

Wow. That really sucks man. Like hardcore sucks. They have to be coming from somewhere, probably living in the walls. Have you tried boric acid? I think it's supposed to be safe to humans and pets.

[cnh]

Boric Acid works but I'm pretty sure it's not safe for small children and pets! I also thought to suggest this as I have a lot of old-school experience with Roaches in NYC apartments...we used to live on the first floor and had conditions very much like the OP. I tried bombs and everything else. But the only thing that worked...and it takes weeks to WORK was lining the entire apartment with B.A....yes, drawing a perimeter line around all FLOOR space and leaving that line there for weeks--and making sure that NO WATER was absorbed by the B.A. because that deactivates it.

Unfortunately, with a three month old crawling on the floor..this is NOT a good idea. Don't really know anything else that is as full-proof though. B.A., as long as you don't mess with it, is far less toxic than the CHEMICAL alternatives and Exterminators.

cnh

[DSkip]

We have some diatomaceous earth that we will be spreading after we get everything situated again. Its not a good time to be spreading it though with the apartment in shambles. 1300 sq. ft. of crap piled in the center of the room and all furniture pulled 1 ft off from the wall.

Boric acid definitely isn't good for the cat or the baby. The Dia. earth is a good alternative. Basically it slices the roaches and eventually suffocates them. Horrible way to die, but is there any good way to be exterminated?


Pic of the boy. Even he is ashamed to live here. He can't even look you in the eye :p:


http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs726.snc4/64665_1420576721502_1445200640_30961357_2619324_n. jpg

[janmike]

Cute little guy. I hope you you can end this for his sake.

[dorokusai]

Unless the rest of your neighbors deal with it, you're in for the long haul. I'd suggest setting up as many family friendly traps as possible and sealing up all your cabinets, doorways and outlets. Anything that air can get in....a roach will get in. Throw some traps outside, near your doorways as well.

You'll never get rid of them but you can slow the progress and, perhaps, find out where they are coming into your home. Apartment infestations are hard to deal with, sorry.

[ShinAce]

If your 3 month old can crawl around, you have more serious issues than roaches.

Just sayin...

[nooshinjohn]

The best solution for your situation is to move. I had an apartment that was infested so badly that you could watch the carpet move under your feet because the neighbors all around me were total pigs. I was able to get out of the lease because of the infestation.

[jflail2]

Talk to the Department of Health and keep complaining to your landlord. I was under the impression that your landlord is required to provide you with a "safe and sanitary" place to live. I think roaches could be enough to get you out if he/she continued to do nothing about it.

Not sure how to prevent it,but I'd also be a bit concerned about packing some up (either roaches or their eggs) and taking them with you when you move. So maybe have the place bombed right before you move?

Good luck man, that sucks...

[Keiko]

Roaches are a constant battle here on the rock. I use sticky traps under the sinks and boric acid behind appliances along the baseboards. They are a pita and I feel your pain.

[steveinaz]

Keep the kitchen sink empty/clean, empty trash at night, and put all food in sealable containers. Buy some Ortho and spray around all door ways, window sills, along base boards, and concentrate on areas where you see them most--this is commonly the kitchen and bathrooms as it is a source for food and water. Keep bath tub drains closed, because if the water in the p-trap evaporates, they get in from your plumbing vents. Definitely check under your kitchen sink, as plumbing routing usually leaves gaping holes in the wall---seal them with spray-in foam sealer. If you have a pet, empty their food dish at night.

Spray outside HEAVILY at any entrance or window.

You can beat them, you just have to be tenacious about it. Roaches are like criminals, they prey on the easy target--if it starts getting tough on them, they'll move to someone elses apartment.

We've got them bad this year too, because of above average rainfall this summer.

[Lasareath]

I lived in a bldg once that was infested. Every apartment had them. I got fed up too and so I got boric acid, a case of that expansion foam cans, steel wool and industrial strength roach spray.

I poured the industrial roach liquid into each hole, crack or crevasse I could find.

In the larger holes I poured in boric acid then steel wool and then expansion foam.

I think you get my drift, basically there were no holes left going into my apartment, it was completely sealed off and i never saw another roach!

[Willow]

I think you have better things to do then to hunt roaches. I say move for your kids health if anything.

[amulford]

I'd be out of there. Eff that...

[TNRabbit]

diatomaceous earth is the shiznit. You're on the right track. It's safe for human consumption if you get medical grade....

[pitdogg2]

diatomaceous earth also causes asbestos like lung problems if inhaled and will stay in the lungs like asbestos products.

there are plenty of products that roaches take back to the nest to kill the entire colony, but it takes time to kill large nests and all neighbors must also help with the treatment or your just wasting time and money.

[unc2701]

I did a bunch of analysis for some guys at the NIEHS & the NC state entomology dept

1)Gel baits placed strategically are key.
2)As long as your neighbors aren't on board, you will have some level of infestation
3)You can get the roaches to stay in your neighbor's place and not yours with some decent extermination and denying them food and water. Seal up everything, never leave any food or water out.
4)Clean, clean, clean. Roaches poop on your floor, counters and everywhere else. Wipe counter your counter tops nightly, wipe out the sink, mop the floors weekly.
5)Get a couple of tubes of caulk and seal up EVERYTHING in the kitchen. From the floor to the ceiling, you should have no gaps where they can get in. Windows &doors are a problem, but you can fix everything else.

[NotaSuv]

Time for a nice place if possible, with an infant it should be easy to get out of your lease due to the health hazards. I have worked for an exterminator before and if you can see that many I can only guess about the thousands that you cant see in the walls and floors. I agree with the above post as you need to seal EVERY opening no matter how small it seems and that cost should be the landlords. Good luck in finding a solution. In Fla we had the flying tanks that we just damn right scary......

[munk]

I don't believe the other apartments are without issues.

Roaches use attics and walls as superhighways.

Deal with it best you can before you move. Try sealing every crack and crevise you can find. Pull the carpet up.

I lived in places when I was in my twenties that had roaches covering the sinks nearly solid brown. Every apartment in the complex had them.

They carry diseases and can contaminate food, but if you're careful you can eliminate most of the threats to your health and your child's health. The worst part is the anxiety for the kid. I'm betting you're doing the best you can right now, and should give yourself a mental break and try to relax.

Food storage and handling is the most important thing. Clean as you go and it is very very unlikely your family will be infected by anything. Put the silverware in plastic bags until the threat is lessened. Guard your toothbrushes and dishware- stuff like that.

[bklynNupe]

As, others have already mentioned, sealing the cracks in your best bet and better than any poison, imo.
In my last apartment and current place I’ve managed to get rid of ALL of them with preventive measures rather than poison. It also goes without saying that dirty dishes in the sink over night and crumbs on the countertop is a no-no. In my case I was able to identify exactly where they were coming from which was where the kitchen cabinets and counter top met the walls. I did spray poison but afterwards I carefully sealed all of the gaps with calk and expandable foam under the sink areas. Any potential hiding places need to be sealed. I live in a building with 20 units and although it was just a few when I moved in, I no longer see any at all. The building has monthly exterminator service but I have not been necessary since I sealed these areas about 8 months ago. If these vermin have infiltrated other areas and your possessions, you will have to be sure inspected as well. Luckily they were only sighted in very specific places in my kitchen like around the sink and the numbers were small. If you want to use a poison, there is an odorless paste that come in a hypodermic looking needle that can only be purchased by a licensed exterminator in NYC, this stuff works extremely well. Combat has an imitation version, but this stuff is squeezed out into corners into very small dots. I’m not sure of the name but it works well. Good luck.

[Jstas]

Keep the kitchen sink empty/clean, empty trash at night, and put all food in sealable containers. Buy some Ortho and spray around all door ways, window sills, along base boards, and concentrate on areas where you see them most--this is commonly the kitchen and bathrooms as it is a source for food and water. Keep bath tub drains closed, because if the water in the p-trap evaporates, they get in from your plumbing vents. Definitely check under your kitchen sink, as plumbing routing usually leaves gaping holes in the wall---seal them with spray-in foam sealer. If you have a pet, empty their food dish at night.

Spray outside HEAVILY at any entrance or window.

You can beat them, you just have to be tenacious about it. Roaches are like criminals, they prey on the easy target--if it starts getting tough on them, they'll move to someone elses apartment.

We've got them bad this year too, because of above average rainfall this summer.

Ortho. Man, what a company! Owned by Scotts now. But if it lives, Ortho makes something that will kill it until it's dead.

I've been using this stuff: http://www.scotts.com/smg/catalog/productTemplate.jsp?proId=prod70044&itemId=cat10040001&tabs=general

It uses Bifenthrin which is a nerve toxin to insects. The EPA says it's a possible carcinogen to humans but once it dries, it does not offgas fumes. Insects absorb it through their feet and whatever else it touches.

Granted, with any chemical, over exposure can cause you health problems. But if you're using this stuff in corners, cracks and out of the way spots according to the label, it's pretty harmless to people. You don't want it in water supplies or on foods so be careful where you spray it.

I used it on my Ranger when I put it in the garage after it sat outside for it's entire life. Even if bugs get in the garage, 4 months after spraying it, they are dead within hours. No weird smells, no staining. I even used it in the shed so it'd stop looking like the Crypt Keeper's Living Room every time I opened the doors. Not a single bug is left in that shed now. It kills everything.

It's also part of the reason I've been able to keep the Silverfish and Stink Bug problems here in Southern NJ to a minimum. I've only had a couple rouge ones of each since I laid down a perimeter. That and no more Carpenter Bee holes in the window frames on the basement windows.

Totally worth it. Unless you're gonna whine about chemicals. But the stuff is safer for you, your family and pets than a bug bomb or the boric acid.

[Keiko]

John, is that stuff safe enough in your opinion since I have a pack of ankle biters? Looks like this stuff just might be the ticket, but I'm just weary of chemicals because of the Poms. Safer than boric acid?

[arun1963]

He said he looked through the neighboring apartments

I'm so damn tired of this crap. I'm mentally and physically fatigued and absolutely hate that we have to live here. Even worse is that my 3 month old son has to live here. Even right now, I see four crawling right in front of me.




Sigh.....

Ask the exterminator to look at the apartment directly below yours. Maybe thats the source.

Hope you manage to solve the issue. BA works real good, but lil Braxton is crawling now.......

[Jstas]

John, is that stuff safe enough in your opinion since I have a pack of ankle biters? Looks like this stuff just might be the ticket, but I'm just weary of chemicals because of the Poms. Safer than boric acid?

From Scotts:


When to Apply

Apply indoor or outdoors according to label instructions.

People and pets may re-enter the treated area after spray has dried.
Where to Use

Can be applied both indoors or outdoors.
Where Not to Use

Do no allow this product to contact water supplies. Do not spray into air. Do not spray into air. Do not spray animals. Do not apply this product or allow it to drift to blooming plants if bees are visiting the treatment area.

As far as I know, you shouldn't directly spray the pets. But once the liquid is dry, it's safe for people and pets to re-enter the home. I wouldn't spray it out in the open where the pets can lick it. If you do use it, you're supposed to spray the spots where they hide. Pets typically don't get in to those spots. Neither do kids.

[Keiko]

Think I'm going try some of this stuff and lay down a perimeter in areas that the dogs can't reach. The rainy season is coming and that's when bugs are at their worse here.

Been seeing more of those big, nasty centipedes out in the yard and don't need them coming into the house. Actually, had a small one in the house a couple weeks ago and even the little ones can hurt if they get a good enough bite on you. Been bitten twice by these things and I can tell you, it's not pleasant. Much worse than any bee sting.

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/c6beb24068.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

Hard to kill these nasty things even by stepping on them. Their bodies are like sponges. If they get in the house, I use hair gel to kill them quickly.

[Polkersince85]

I read a report one time that Cat Nip oil is a good repellant for roaches. Never tried it but I think you can get it at some healthfood stores. It's fairly expensive. Google for info.

[cnh]

diatomaceous earth also causes asbestos like lung problems if inhaled and will stay in the lungs like asbestos products.

there are plenty of products that roaches take back to the nest to kill the entire colony, but it takes time to kill large nests and all neighbors must also help with the treatment or your just wasting time and money.

An interesting post. I was wondering about this as this stuff is used in POOL FILTERS?? Somehow a 3 month old ingesting diatomaceous earth and/or breathing it in... not a good idea either. Damn pests!!

cnh

[DSkip]

We are looking into ending our lease at the moment. We signed a 2 year lease to be smart about things as rent kept going up in the area at a huge rate. A year in my wife gets pregnant, and now we have these major roach issues. Makes that 2 year lease not look like such a good idea anymore...

The lease doesn't end until July.

[Lasareath]

Time to turn that music up 24 hours a day until they cancel your lease!

[Lasareath]

Sunfire Subs are considered lease breakers

[DaveHo]

I'd move out & stop paying rent. Take video/pictures of the infestation & document what your landlord has/hasn't done to correct the problem. If they take you to court, I think you'll win easily.

-Dave

[bikezappa]

I had them when I lived in an apartment.

If you use chemicals the roaches just move to another floor until the chemical goes away.

The roaches will find a way into your apartment.

The complete apartment needs to be treated all at once and all the people need to work together, that probably will not happen.

Move.

[tx_polkhead]

I live downtown which means miles and miles of underground passages, all utlilites except phone are underground which is prime time living spaces for roaches but in 13 years here we have only had a big problem once. You have to treat the entire structure, and treat it often. Our pest control guy comes by once every 3 months, he uses a combination of Diatmatious earth (Dry) spray (Wet) and gel bait and we see maybe a dead roach every now and then. Keep on your landlord by certified mail, as in once a week every week each time certified mail, include pictures and he will get the fact that you are building a case against him and he will be preasured to make things right. All the stuff our pest control guy uses are family and pet safe, I am in the metroplex let me know by PM if you need a reccomendation. Good luck, and remember certified mail!

[DSkip]

So we talked to management today after work. After an agreement that our needs could not be met, and that they have tried as much as they could to resolve the issue, they told us to write a 30-day notice to terminate our lease.

She assured us that our credit will not be affected and that we would not be charged any reletting fees. Of course, I will be getting that in writing prior to submitting the termination letter, but it sounds like it will work for both parties. The only thing we will lose is the $300 deductible, which really stinks, but I can live with that.

The only bad thing will be moving on Black Friday. Fun-filled day, here we come.

[messiah]

Be careful not to bring them with you!

[fatpiggy]

We had a roach problem tried everything we live in the boon docks, got the extremnator in didnt get rid of them tried baits no good.Decided to go with the mortien roach and flea bombs.Killed everything havnt see a spider, roach, flea for over 6 months.That stuff workes very well.

What I did was set a bomb off in each room with all the draws and cupboards open and went out for the day with the family.Came home at the end of the day opened all the windows disposed of the bombs and went and stayed at the inlaws for a night.Came home the next day no smell just lots of dead bugs everywhere. gave the place a hoover and everything has been great, no more bugs no more roaches.

I get headaches just from the smell of perfume or solvents but the bombs havnt effected me, so they must be safe.

Fatpigggy

[AudioGenics]

i would think in a lease agreement
that the apartment must be safe and healthy to live in.

an uncontrollable insect infestation and unresponsive landlord would be grounds to be released from the lease.

and being exposed to possible diseases carried and insecticide or toxins...
I would not hesitate to find more suitable safer living space for my child
and wife.