Spraying by an exterminator kills the cockroaches…but not the eggs. A few weeks later, they ate back. Reapeat No 1. Depending on the area, get some Boric acid (available in grocery stores and most drug stores. Spread the powder under the sink, under the stove, in the attic, etc The "salt-like crystals get on their feet, the roaches digest it, and their stomachs are damaged and they die. It is a long term (but permanent and cheap) solution, but use it in conjunction with the spray (or “bombs”). Once they are gone, the Boric acid keeps them away. bob
First, are these the small “german” roaches or the large “Palmetto Bug” variety?
The small ones are hard to get rid of and require spraying, cleaning, and repeat treatment.
The large ones really like to like Outside, but come in with boxes, bags, furniture, etc.
We have had properties infested by our tenant’s belonging being brought in during a move!
REcently, we have used a sonic, or ultrasonic, device in our home with amazing results. Definitely worth a try.
As to a defect… did you not have an inspection period? I would say, as a seller, that you had opportunity to observe and accepted the property - bugs and all!
Posted by Natalie-VA on June 02, 2005 at 10:26:44:
I am not an attorney, but I would consider cockroach infestation a defect.
Either way, you need an exterminator. Get it taken care of and present the bill to the seller’s real estate agent (or seller directly). One or both of them might pay the cost to avoid a lawsuit.
Posted by River City on June 01, 2005 at 11:56:39:
Call an exterminator. A good one can get rid of them for 6 months or so, unless the home is under a lot of trees, as “cockroaches” come from trees, leaves, groundcover, etc. In this case, you might have to have the home treated more often. Search Google to see how to prevent them from coming back.
In my opinion, having roaches is not something that has to be included in a disclosure as it is not a property defect.
You can buy a product called Demon WP or another one called Surrender at your local hardware store. Put two packets (double strength) mixed with 1 gallon of water into a pump sprayer, mix well, and spray all baseboards inside and along the bottom of the outside perimiter walls. Allow to dry. After about three days the only roaches you should see are sick or dying ones. I have never used the Surrender product, but I have used Demon. I have heard that Surrender is just as good however. I would be lerry of using these if you have small childern who might come into contact with the poison. Also be careful not to get any of the powder on yourself. Just drop the unopened packets into the water in your sprayer.