Bug Infestations

[Hannah]

Alright, gang. I've got centipedes. I'm on the fifth floor of this damn building but they still manage to get up here. Luckily I didn't see any over the winter, but now that's it's nice and unseasonably warm, they're back. I'm pretty terrified of these monsters, and my boyfriend is at least twice as helpless as I am, so he's no help. It wouldn't be such a big deal if I could just stomp on them and be done with it. But I can't do that. It takes me usually an hour to work up the courage to kill one and the bastards always hang out in the corner so it's even harder to hit them. They're f*cking huge, too! I didn't know centipedes had stripes until I moved here. THEY DO.

Anyway, does anyone here have experience in keeping away bugs/exterminating them on the cheap? I have a cat so I can't use anything that would hurt her. I'm going to put duct tape over the holes in the floor from the radiators ASAP. Unfortunately I don't have AC yet so I have to keep my windows open, and the previous tenant's cat ripped holes in the screens so I'm thinking that's contributing to the problem.

For an added bonus: here's a picture of me the first time I found a centipede. It freaks me out to have skin exposed when dealing with bugs so I cover up as much as I can.



That was a fun experience which involved using lots of hairspray, air freshener, and toilet bowl cleaner as impromptu centipede killer. Also, when I say fun I mean horrifying. It was awful.

[XERO]

Hannah: Cause of Centicide.

[Type 97 Chi-ha]

I'll bet you're never going to wear false eyelashes again.

[Katie]

Glue traps. Those things are like spiders. They aren't killed by normal pest control spraying.

Anyway I used to live in a lower income apartment complex and constantly had bugs. Nice to live in a better quality apartment now. Never a bug in sight.

[Luzmagica]

I lived in a rural place with bugs all kinds....
To spot those inside from home:
*) Remove all organics rest ( organic debris like: remnants of food, food for your pet/pets ....)

*) Remove and clean all damp places, among the leaf litter, under rotten wood and between similar waste/places.

*) Then use insect repellents sprays in difficult to control sites (if you have Not I mean : if no contraindications / allergies / asmatic etc!!!!

That use to be enough to keep them far from home ....
Good luck!

[Storm Wolf]

Ok. If what you have is anything like what I've had in my apartments....I feel your pain! Ugh! They are so fast and creeeepy! Anyways....I found this

http://ento.psu.edu/m/extension/fact...use-centipedes

That's what I had...makes my skin crawl just looking at the pictures. Most of that site states pretty obvious things...but it may help. If its pretty damp and warm in your apartment they just LOVE that. I used to find them in my dogs water bowl a lot. *shudders* Worst comes to worst you may just have to move. That's what I had to do once I got tired of all the bats and creepy crawlies coming in my old apartment. Sometimes the building just has water damage and the moister in the ceiling and walls attracts them....which was the problem with my previous residence.

Anyways.....good luck in your battle.

[Ecto Jedi]

Originally Posted by Storm Wolf

Anyways....I found this

http://ento.psu.edu/m/extension/fact...use-centipedes.

“It may often be seen darting across floors with very great speed, occasionally stopping suddenly and remaining absolutely motionless, presently to resume its rapid movements, often darting directly at inmates of the house, particularly women, evidently with a desire to conceal itself beneath their dresses, and thus creating much consternation.”

F*cking classic.

[Hannah]

Luckily I haven't seen any more centipedes since I posted this. My building manager showed up one day and had some exterminator dude lay down some bait or something (???) I wasn't home so I don't know the details. I am most definitely moving when our lease is up in September. This apartment is ****ing disgusting and falling to pieces.

[Storm Wolf]

That was my case...plus I had a bat **** crazy crack head living in the first apartment. I don't know what was worse. my crappy apartment, the bats and such coming in, or that old bitty stalking me and the other tenants.

Its hard to find a nice place here....especially if you have pets. The area I live in HATES pets. Also....most places require the blood of your first born as a monthly payment.