Roach problem in our new home... help with recommendations? (Virginia Beach: appliances, purchase)

[lissita]

We just purchased a home in the area that was "flipped," i.e. bought and refurbished completely (new flooring, walls, paint, and appliances). We noticed in previous pictures of the home that it was pretty nasty before the remodel. (We're also surrounded by many trees.)

Our problem since the move-in last month? Roaches. Everywhere! Noticed the first one on day one, and are still seeing at least one daily (large, medium, small, AND tiny). They are pretty bold, show up in the sink, coffee maker (ew!!!), the stove, the microwave--one even crawled on my husband the other night as he napped on the couch! UGH!

We have been meticulous about sweeping, vacuuming, keeping everything spotless, we've even raked up all the leaves around the foundation of the home. We have plugged up holes, sprayed repeatedly with different products, gone through the attic (where we found fast food refuse--ugh!), put out traps & bait stations in kitchens and bathrooms, put out boric acid along crevices. We've tried everything short of calling in the big guns, i.e., an exterminating service (we have pets & children, so I am pretty worried about pesticides).

Any recommendations on trustworthy companies? Please, please help. I have a roach phobia, not to mention my older kid. We're scarred and feel like we can't completely relax. A move is traumatic enough, but this? Almost unbearably stressful....

Thanks to any help anyone can provide.

[Erma]

Call an exterminator! They came from somewhere, maybe with something you brought from your last residence? Maybe from boxes during moving? Flipped houses as well as purchased homes are inspected...just maybe that they got from point A to B somehow?

[lissita]

Nope--no previous roach problems in our last home in another state. Not one was seen in the five years we lived there.

At closing, when we got the key here, we found them already in the house. House was vacant for almost a year and I have a feeling the flippers were not clean, either (seeing as they left Wendy's/Mcdonalds/Chick Fil A bags in the attic).

I already know we need to call one--any reliable/trustworthy exterminator recommendations in this area, anyone?

[BrianLMA]

Hampton Roads covers a wide area. What city/county do you live in?

[lissita]

Virginia Beach area--thanks!

[BrianLMA]

I usually send my Southside clients to Hampton Roads Termite and Pest Control, Inc (www.hamptonroadstermite.com), 757-436-3333.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by BrianLMA

I usually send my Southside clients to Hampton Roads Termite and Pest Control, Inc (www.hamptonroadstermite.com), 757-436-3333.

Yes, they are very good. I used them for my inspection when I sold my home and on the purchase of our new one. This is why I can't see why an inspection was not performed prior to closing on your property that is infested.

[BrianLMA]

Usually a wood destroying insect (termite, powder post beetle, etc) inspection would be required prior to closing but nothing really for roaches. I would think that the inspector would mention it if he saw the infestation but would not really be required. I've also seen some home inspectors note them as well, but am not certain what inspections you had for this particular house.

[glamgirlgraphics]

I use Home Shield for pest control, and they spray the inside of my house even though i have 2 small children and a dog. Supposedly the stuff they use is safe to be around and not toxic to children or pets. For me, it cost $73 every 2 months. They do the exterior and interior. If I see any bugs between sprayings, they come back out and spray again for free. We had an ant problem and had them come back twice until it was finally rectified.

I did see a coach roach in my house before I called home shield, and haven't seen any since. They also reduce the amount of spiders (at least for a few days!), put bait out for mice and rats, and spray for other little critters. I would recommend checking them out. My only complaint is that they are always late.

Good luck getting the problem solved!!

[lissita]

Thanks, all.

The inspection for the home purchase was only for termites, and it was only a visual inspection. As I mentioned, we found the first big one upon getting the key and then it snowballed from there, even before our furniture or items arrived. Even with the home empty they were found in the house.

We sprayed everywhere with Max something or other last Monday, and it was fine this week, then today's rain brought out another giant one--came in from under the back door (we think) and crawled on the couch! YUK.

Thank you for all the company recommendations. Any other suggestions welcome, too. We're SO very tired of this.... I guess it is time to call in the big guns and put my fear of strong pesticides aside....