Help! with bugs in condo

[north]

Hi - we just moved into a fairly new condo complex. There are ants in the kitchen. I spray and put in Combat discs, but they don't work (the spray works short term, but feels like it takes a year off my life each time I use it, and the bugs come back within a few days).

Any recommendations? Others in the complex don't seem to have this problem, and we're really getting frustrated. Does anyone use an exterminator? Should I try to get my landlord to cover this expense?

Thanks in advance...

[sierra2469alpha]

Is it just ants? Mr.P

[JimH5]

We had ants and fleas recently. Our cat took a few bites, then I had the vet apply Frontline which took care of her. There are still a few fleas around our kitchen trash & bananas & litter box. . .

But, as far as ants. . .I agree that the pesticide spray is enough to knock you over. . .but I bought a can of Baygon with a straw applicator that lets you focus the stuff exactly where you want it. I ran a bead of that around the patio doors, where the ants seemed to be coming in.

I also spent a couple of afternoons with the vacuum cleaner, sucking them up. They liked to come out during the day and make a straight line for any food crumbs on the floor.

It seems that I got all the ants with the pesticide and vacuum. . .the fleas are still an issue, but not out of control.

So far, I have been able to manage the problem with DIY stuff. No exterminator yet. After walking through some of the outdoor fogging efforts, I can't imagine how those guys make it to age 30. . .

[sundaymorningstaple]

We hire them over 30 that way we up the use by date a little.......

[snowqueen]

SMS - are you on drugs? I know you are the moderator but how was that post supposed to be helpful to the poor man/woman who needs help ridding bugs.

Baygon is really good - we've had problems with baby roaches coming in from somewhere and since we layed down some traps and spray we've not had a problem. Could also have something to do with them fogging the hell out the place recenty as well though.

[sierra2469alpha]

Snowqueen - SMS is being their usual funny self - it would make some good reading to see their posts.

In terms of the roaches - fogging etc. will help - just ensure your place gets done properly, and that you ensure you don't have any little hidey-holes for them in your own place (you'd be surprised where they can hide!)

HTH, Mr. P

[snowqueen]

Thanks for the tip. I'll keep looking. We haven't seen any on the kitchen sink for a few days but did catch one coming out the drain in the floor.

[sundaymorningstaple]

SMS - are you on drugs? I know you are the moderator but how was that post supposed to be helpful to the poor man/woman who needs help ridding bugs.

Baygon is really good - we've had problems with baby roaches coming in from somewhere and since we layed down some traps and spray we've not had a problem. Could also have something to do with them fogging the hell out the place recenty as well though.

If the OP as well as yourself, had bothered to just click on my links page you would have noted that there are lots & lots of helpful links for expats. I put that there free of charge. You will notice there there are not advertisements, banners or links except to the individual sites themselves. There are not any recommendations either. Except the recommendation of the OP who may have given me the link or posted it here over the years. It is completely at my own expense trying to give something back.

I believe that there are links to 6 to 8 Pest Control Companies there as well. Lighten up. Or you are gonna make yourself miserable here.