Does occasional centipede requires calling an exterminator?

Question

I have a new tenant who moved in only last week and I have been finding them extremely finicky over little things. The tenant has access to backyard (not in lease but offered as a freebie)  it's in decent shape  with not trees or plants whatsoever but my neighbor's back yard is lush green and some of his plants creep into the backyard.There will be occasional uninvited guests such as Centepedes and Beatles when the tenant opens his door.

Now they are asking me to call in for an exterminator,the previous tenant never once mentioned it to me.Its not an infestation so I think it doesn't require me to call for an exterminator,it's not an infestation per se.How do I handle this demanding tenant? What arguments can I give them?

Personally I don't find extermination as a wholesome approach there are more environment friendly or chemical free ways to handle uninvited insects such as diatomaceous earth or borax

Appreciate your inputs

Account Closed · Answer

@Peter Morgan

“ dear _____,

Thank you for your inquiry with respect to noticing a bug recently. As you may know, ____’s are native to this area and can be expected from time to time. As such this does not require an exterminator.

Sincerely,

_____”

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

@Peter Morgan your tenant is training you! You need to nip this in the bud; I see no reason why your "no" needs any elaboration, justification or explanation at all. NO.

Doug Nordman · Answer

Sue, it's not about doing the right thing-- it's about whether it's even worth doing.  We've lived on Oahu for over 30 years, and there's no way to keep centipedes out of a house any more than there's a way to keep out houseflies or spiders.Centipedes are a part of Oahu life, just like mosquitoes and cockroaches.  An exterminator can kill the centipede that's in the house at the time of the spraying, but it won't deter outdoor centipedes and it doesn't kill new trespassers on contact.When tenants take care of the place (clean & neat) then there won't be "a ton of centipedes."  A spray of insecticide from the can takes care of the ones that wander through every few months.

I haven't had one walk across my face yet-- they can sense body heat and they prefer to avoid it-- but I've had my share walk across my feet.  It's an unwelcome thrill but I've never been bitten/stung, and a couple shots of insecticide on the centipede will take care of them.

Sharlene Mulchandani · Answer

@Peter Morgan If your tenants have access to a backyard, it is very likely for them to have a few uninvited guests from time to time. There is no need to call for an exterminator, instead, I suggest that you tell them to invest in a can of bug spray, or maybe buy it for them.

Peter Morgan · Answer

@Bjorn Ahlblad

Thank You, I will give them a stern NO.

Account Closed · Answer

As far as I'm aware, this isn't about whether or not centipedes are normal in Hawaii.

Account Closed · Answer

Well, let's pretend you found a few centipedes in your home.  Would you think it was okay?  Would you want to wait until there were a ton of them?  Want to wait until one walked across your face one night?

Do you think your tenant should have to endure more than you?

Call a dang exterminator and do the right thing.  Yeesh.

Account Closed · Answer

@Sue K.

If I was in a place that had them, like Oahu, yes, I would kill them and expect their cousins to avenge their death. I don’t use an exterminator when a deer wanders through my yard either. Or when an ant or 6 are spotted in the spring. Or a spider or 7 in the fall. Getting an exterminator every time a robin lands on my freshly watered lawn isn’t in the cards either.

Benjamin Tighe · Answer

I would offer an initial treatment to satisfy the tenant's immediate concern but let them know that keeping the bugs out of their home is their responsibility. Might be a legit problem. You cant control your neighbors so if their landscape attracts insects, too bad.

It sounds like your new tenant is trying to see what they can get out of you. Might even have a little entitlement issue. Tell them the best way to keep the insects away after a treatment is good housekeeping. Either that or don't open the door if access isn't part of the lease and that's how they are getting in.

Percy Matsunaga · Answer

@Peter Morgan

I agree with Bjorn. The tenant is just trying to see what they can get away with you. let them know that centipedes are just insects that live in the area. I like the draft that Kris put together.

Does occasional centipede requires calling an exterminator?

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