You see what nobody else does

Four apartments on one line is a different problem from one apartment, and it gets fixed differently. Each tenant thinks it is only them. The office sees complaints weeks apart. We see the building once a month. You see all of it.

Telling us that 4B, 5B and 6B have all complained, and that the leak in 5B never got fixed, is worth more than any answer you could give about products.

“Is this going to make it worse?”

Say: That was the old sprays. What they use now does not chase them out, so they stay where they are and it gets them there.

“Should I just buy my own gel?”

Say: Gel is the right stuff. If you put some down, tell them what it was and where, so it does not fight what they are using.

Gel bait is what a professional treatment uses. The instinct is right. Placement and knowing what is already down are what make the difference.

“Is it safe? I have kids.”

Say: You can ask exactly what is being used before they come, and you are entitled to that.

“How long do I stay out?”

Say: Depends what they use. Ask before the visit and you will get a real number.

Do not guess this one. There is no universal answer.

“I do not want anyone in my apartment.”

Say: Understood. Let me get you a different time instead, because the apartment that gets skipped is usually where it comes back from.

Tell us these when we arrive

• Which apartments said something, including the ones who only mentioned it in the hallway
• Any leak, however small. Roaches need water more than food
• Who never opens the door
• What changed: plumbing work, a wall opened, an appliance pulled out, used furniture