Tenant Left Home Covered in Roaches - when can i re-rent?

Question

We recently had a long term tenant move out of one of our single family homes and she left it absolutely covered in roaches- like falling out of the ceiling covered. I know our property management was NOT good on this one we should have been checking on the house but she was there for so long and didn't used to be disguising so we fell out of checking on her. Lesson learned.

Anyway, we are getting professionals involved BUT they say they can't just "bomb" the house (it's illegal in Michigan??) and it will require multiple trips and could take months or longer to eliminate this issue. So do I just have to sit on this house being empty while I wait to get rid of the roaches? Morally, I cannot rent to someone if I know the house has bugs. Has anyone been in this situation? What did you do?

Randall Alan · Answer

@Tiffany Roberts

Generally speaking, roaches are not that difficult to get rid of. Even the smaller German ones can be eradicated in a few trips across a couple of weeks. We have a lot of units, and have had some pretty serious infestations. It has never taken longer than a month to cure any of them… and our pest control people don’t “bomb” the units… they are usually spraying the crevices, or baiting the German ones.

If you aren’t getting good results with your current pest control, I would see about switching to a different one. It shouldn’t be a months long process… usually several weeks from all that I have experienced.

All the best!

Randy

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Keep checking around. You should see dramatic results within days and they can be completely eradicated in about four weeks.

Michael Smythe · Answer

Check out ozone machines, which can also address smells and bedbugs.

Tiffany Roberts · Answer

@Nathan Gesner and @Randall Alan thanks so much for the advice. I'll check out some other pest control companies and see if they have any faster options for me.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I'd also call another company to see what they say. Try the ozone machine Michael suggested, they don't cost a lot. You may need to do it more than once depending on how long it takes for eggs to hatch. Use it before you start cleaning up, then again after everything is out.

Tenant Left Home Covered in Roaches - when can i re-rent?

Tenant Left Home Covered in Roaches - when can i re-rent?

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