Dealing with Roaches and Keeping Them Out of Your Room

[CityGirl332]

Originally Posted by ehanson

After moving from a bug free apartment I recently moved into a turn of the century apartment in Astoria that unfortunately has a bit of a roach problem; as do most of the apartments on the wall to wall block. Should have known better when I asked looking at the place and asked if they're were any bugs and she mentioned "sometimes" she'll see roaches in the kitchen. They're small thankfully but still very annoying to deal with.

Now I'm seeing them in my room occasionally and I'm trying to keep them out and from getting into my things, which I've worked so hard to get. I'm especially worried about my bed. Caulking any cracks and holes, which I can see, in the wall helped limit the ways they can enter but saw one this morning and think they may still be able to get in under the door or another way I haven't thought of.

What's the most effective way to keep them out of your room? Have heard conflicting info about Borax, I'm leaning towards the group that thinks it's toxic and harmful the more I read about it. I'm sure many NYer's have dealt with this and short of moving away have found a way to deal with them, somewhat. Speaking of moving if anyone knows of or has a roach free apartment for rent in a neighborhood with a reasonable commute to Midtown please let me know, I don't think it's wise to stick it out at my current place and run a greater risk of them getting into my things, plus they're frustrating and expensive to deal with. My friend is renting in a roach free building in Harlem (he's actually never seen any bugs there) so I now know they exist.

I lived in Harlem for nearly 7 years in a beautiful 1 bedroom brownstone apartment and never saw 1 roach. Interestingly, I did have an ant and spider issue during the summer months, but I certainly wouldn't have stayed in that apartment for so long, if there was a roach issue.

The funny part is, I was always cooking and I'd leave food on the counter, but I never once spotted any roaches.

You may be able to break your lease if you put enough pressure on the landlord.

[MrAntigua]

if and when you do move, make sure to burn your stuff. they like to travel with you.