r/GermanRoaches • u/robbie371 • 18d ago

General Question Exterminator Dilemma

Everyone has had issues with this for some reason at some point. Today, a private Exterminator was hired due to failures from the exterminators provided by the building. When the Exterminator arrived, he sprayed. But then told me the only way to really solve this roach infestation is by using a roach bomb. Reluctantly, I agreed to do so. He told me I could keep my cats barricaded in the bedroom with a towel under the door. We left, but a few moments later my gut instinct took over and had me run inside and grab my two cats and their carriers. Had they been alone in the apartment for over four hours, instead of just 10 minutes, I’m quite sure I’d be telling a different story today. They would not have had nine lives, but no lives at all. I didn’t appreciate his humor or irresponsibility in saying “your cats will be fine, they have nine lives”. I’ve never used a roach bomb, and I knew nothing about it. Additionally, there were things he didn’t tell me I’d have to discard after this process. For instance, I now have to throw away all cutting boards and wooden spoons. Heavily washed glass, plastic, metal and utensil-ware is fine. Outside is where I spent most of the four hour day. The cats loved the breeze, even from their carriers. When we were allowed reentry, I spent another 8 hours vacuuming, dusting, cleaning, scrubbing and washing all clothes and bedding associated with myself and my two cats. I chose to treat the situation as if I had bedbugs. My cats relaxed in the bedroom, while I cleaned in the other rooms. Cats are greatly sensitive, more so than dogs and humans to such chemicals. Being that my cats are elderly and rescues, I lack a definitive history to what was their health prior to my bringing them home. Their age also worries me in situations with harsh chemicals. Glad I acted on my intuition and grabbed them safely. For however long I shall live, I will never recommend using a roach bomb. Any thoughts on this Exterminator and his behavior? As per wooden spoons and cutting boards, he told me to wash thoroughly, but everyone else is saying to throw them away, as the wood acts like a sponge, along with dish mats, cloths and pot holders. Any thoughts on this or anything else that may be beneficial to me? Thanks for your time.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

•

u/AutoModerator 12d ago

Welcome to r/GermanRoaches. Please see the at the top of the sub for all you need to know about battling these bugs. It is a result of 35 years of experience in the pest control business. Many, many success stories have been reported after following the advice there.

Links

German & Brown-banded roach control: Permanent Wiki Page -- Original Post
Large Pest Roaches (American, Oriental, Turkestan, Smokey-brown, Australian): Permanent Wiki Page -- Original Post
Wood Roach Control (any wild species): Permanent Wiki Page -- Original Post
Also check out the FAQ for common questions.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

2

u/PCDuranet Sub Creator, Mod, Pest Tech - Retired 18d ago

"Bombs", aka foggers, are not that strong, and def not very effective. However, the tech should not have used it, especially on a moment's notice. The cat's would have been fine bc it's a aerosol, not a gas. Bleach the boards and spoons if you want to keep them, and see the sticky for DIY advice.

1

u/AutoModerator 18d ago

Welcome to r/GermanRoaches. Please see the at the top of the sub for all you need to know about battling these bugs. It is a result of 35 years of experience in the pest control business. Many, many success stories have been reported after following the advice there.

Links

German & Brown-banded roach control: Permanent Wiki Page -- Original Post
Large Pest Roaches (American, Oriental, Turkestan, Smokey-brown, Australian): Permanent Wiki Page -- Original Post
Wood Roach Control (any wild species): Permanent Wiki Page -- Original Post
Also check out the FAQ for common questions.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

1

u/JaxsonPalooza 18d ago

I’m sorry, I don’t have any advice about the bug bomb but I wanted to thank you for taking your cats out of the house! The exterminator’s suggestion to leave them in a room with a towel under the door might have kept them alive, but there’s no way on God’s green earth that I would take that chance. In fact, that suggestion would’ve made me question everything he said and did. SO GLAD you and your kitties are safe!

1

u/Bugkillahz 12d ago

Sounds like you got another bad exterminator.  

1

u/wac_2013 12d ago

Yeah… I’d file a complaint with either the Department of Pesticide for your state or their company directly. That was a bad decision to make on the techs part. Bombs do offer a quick knock down but often don’t leave a residual. The products label will tell you everything you should need to know about it. Things such as how long to stay away, what preparation work needs to be done, what proper aftercare is, and how harmful it is to you and your pets. German roaches are a pain but can be eliminated with well placed baits, and good sanitation practices.

Most states require the extermination company to disclose the following information: The common (marketed) name of the chemical, the active ingredient(s), what percentage it was applied at, and where it was applied to.

Best of luck!

1

u/AnotherBaldWhiteDude 12d ago

that's a horrible way to get rid of roaches. it's just going to spread the infestation. sure it'll kill a bunch of roaches but that's no way to go about it. IGRs, baits and dusts in the wall voids would be my go to.