How common is it to have a contract with a pesticide company or exterminator? Do some people there have homes that can keep the little shits out completely? How much a month is an exterminator? Sorry for bogging you down with these questions, this has sparked an interest in me.
I have one on a bi monthly, doesn't seem to effect them.
I dont pay for one, when my mom was alive she was grandfathered in by one for years of service for like I think about $80. ( funny thing he has deer and I got him to buy alot of bucks where I work) But I think generally its alot more than that. And no you will never keep them all out.
Its not always monthly either, sometimes every three.
Is this something that is eliminated in newer homes that had to be built under more stringent building codes?
Lol, no. At least around here in AZ anyway. Many areas have block walls around their properties and or subdivisions. These create hiways for the bastards to spread out. A female can hatch out with 40-60 demons a couple times in a season. That along with as some say a 20 plus year life span you can the the futility of getting rid of them once they take hold in an area. Their exoskeleton prevents successful chemical extermination. Spreading thick layers of diatomaceous earth around the property can help, but it is a slow kill method. It gets under the exoskeleton, dehydrating them and to a degree will cut them up like micro razor blades. The best way is to religiously hunt them down every night with a black light and blow torch. They suck to have around! My place never had them until about seven years ago, now you gotta watch what you pick up, put on and step. The babies are the worst, you can barely see them and they’ll come in bunches.
One night I hit a female with the black light and torch and it was like I lit off a sparkler as the 40-60 tiny little bastards she was carrying around on her back took flight in every direction. Imagine my high step’n out of that area! Had one in the kitchen a few nights ago, which is a little too early in the year for my liking. Hope it isn’t a sign of things to come this summer.
(post is archived)