ants extermination and possible health effects

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Richard - 23 Mar 2006 23:13 GMT

Hi,

My landlord informed me that there is ants in other apartments. A firm
will go to every apartments to do preventive work against ants such as using
an insecticide spray (I guess). I have two cats. I fear for their health and
my own health. I don't have any ants in my apartment but the landlord want
to do every apartments. Is it possible to refuse it? Do you think it is
dangerous?

Thanks,

Richard

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Matthew AKA NMR ( NO MORE RETAIL ) - 23 Mar 2006 23:41 GMT

Depending on what type of pesticide are used. Yes you have a right to
refuse but any good landlord would note it in your lease for any possible
future pest problems in turn would be your responsibility.

FYI depending on how bad the infestation there are multiple ways to remove
them with out a spray involved. Most involve a gel or a paste being put
into out of the way corners where even a cat would not venture

But if you allow it to go on
ask what the treatment involves
when the treatment is over clean everything
talk to the exterminator express your concern for the safety of your cats
if it involves a possible danger take the cats to your vet, a friend or a
kennel for the day or 2 ; your landlord may refund the cost( probably not)

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> Richard

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NanCe - 23 Mar 2006 23:51 GMT

>FYI depending on how bad the infestation there are multiple ways to remove
>them with out a spray involved. Most involve a gel or a paste being put
>into out of the way corners where even a cat would not venture

I would tell him I don't have ants and refuse it. If it turns out you do,
I've heard that paprika is a natural alternative (put where the ants enter).

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xkatx - 23 Mar 2006 23:54 GMT

> Hi,
>
> My landlord informed me that there is ants in other apartments.

Pests such as ants spread. If they are not in your suite right now, there's
a good chance they will eventually move to your apartment.

> A firm will go to every apartments to do preventive work against ants such
> as using an insecticide spray (I guess).

I, personally, would let them do it. I wouldn't try and make it difficult
for this to be done, as I've been through something similar... About 3-4ish
years ago, we lived in an apartment that I was having some troubles with.
Landlord wouldn't do a darn thing about anything in the place, and when I
finally got fed up with heating the whole 2 bedroom apartment with the stove
because the furnace didn't work, I called the Capital Health Board, had
someone come out, he condemned my apartment suite. There were so many
health infractions - the furnace, leaking taps, no window/fan in the
bathroom... to name a few... and there were these little bug things called
silverfish. Never once saw them in my life until I lived in that apartment,
and the health guy said they were in my suite (I had seen them in there) and
they were also in the hallways.

> I have two cats. I fear for their health and my own health.

I had 3 cats and 2 babies - they were about a 1 and 2 at this time. The
landlord, under order from the Health Board, was forced to call in someone
to fix this silverfish infestation in the apartment. I was given notice
that they were doing this on whatever day, and I had actually called
directly down to this hired company and had asked what chemicals and such
were used and I had explained that I did want this done in my suite - I
wasn't going to fight it in any way - but I also needed the guarantee that
whatever was being used would be safe not only for myself and my
children/family, but safe for my cats as well. I was assured that they used
safe chemicals, and they were safe enough that if I wanted to stay in while
they were doing it, that was fine. They did, however, recommend removing
children and pets out of the apartment while they were spraying ONLY because
small children and pets can often get in the way of their guys moving stuff
(as they had to move furniture out about 2-3' to be able to properly spray
corners and along walls) and dogs, cats, children tend to get in the way.
This, they told me, was only for my convenience and the convenience of those
doing the job, but told me that it was my choice, what they used is
definitely safe for people and pets. I then figured that what they sprayed
was less hazardous to my health than these disgustingly horrible little
bugs.

> I don't have any ants in my apartment but the landlord want to do every
> apartments. Is it possible to refuse it? Do you think it is dangerous?

It depends. It might be possible to refuse it, you might not be able to
refuse it. I know here, by all laws, a landlord can give 24 hours notice to
enter a rental suite. You really can't debate this, unless they give you 24
hour's notice to come in and help themselves to coffee and a sandwich. For
maintenance purposes, you really aren't allowed to fight or debate. I
would, however, call the company and express my concerns about my cats, as
well as for myself/family. If in the case that they assure you whatever
they use is not harmful, then why not let them do it? It will save the
possibility of ants finding their way into YOUR home that hasn't been
treated, and if your place is the only place that isn't sprayed or treated,
where do you think the ants' first choice will be? If, in the chance that
you do call and are told that yes, what they use can be or is harmful to
pets and/or people, I would then act on a refusal, saying that this type of
method is not suitable for your apartment because you have pets, and if you
live in an apartment where you are allowed pets, you do have every right to
fight it, and perhaps request that the landlord find a better means to treat
your suite.

> Thanks,
>
> Richard

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Richard - 24 Mar 2006 00:29 GMT

Hi,
I don't think that any extermination firm would ever said that their
product are not safe! It is hard to think that something that kill bugs will
not affect the health of people and animals. However it is true that if I am
the only one not having the anti-ants treatment, surviving ants may invade
my place. No choice seems good.

Richard

>> Hi,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 66 lines]
>>
>> Richard

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xkatx - 24 Mar 2006 01:36 GMT

> Hi,
> I don't think that any extermination firm would ever said that their
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Richard

By law here, when asked, they must tell you. I have, actually, called to
have my grass sprayed for weeds and all that, and I actually did have to
call around to find a place that was pet-friendly and child-friendly. Not
all places are, and I know with a lot of things, such as cleaning supplies,
even, I specifically look for items that are alright to use around children
and pets. A company could be in some MAJOR trouble if they give you false
information when you specifically request it, and I don't care so much about
the cats, in my case, I would have a MAJOR problem - and someone or some
company would have a major case of trouble - if I was to later find out that
there were health hazards for my family and this information was witheld or
I was given false information.
If need be, take yourself and your cats away for the day. Usually spraying
dries in a day or less. Is it at all possible to house your cats, and even
yourself, at a friend's house or at a family member's house? That might be
an alternative. The spray is not permanantly wet in your home, and as it
dries, it does its job and is gone and over with.
I would definitely suggest calling and see where you get with it. If you
get someone who's beating around the bush, or a shady character, be aware.
If you get someone who gives you the information you want and need, even if
it's not the information you were hoping for, you should be able to tell if
they are being honest with you or if they have something to hide. If you
are left with any doubts, just pick the cats up and move them out for the
day, or see if it's possible to request it be done when you are not at home
and are able to find an alternative to you, and your cats, being there for
the process.

>>> Hi,
>>>
[quoted text clipped - 67 lines]
>>>
>>> Richard

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Richard - 24 Mar 2006 02:22 GMT

Many pesticides were approved and believe to do no harm and later recalled
because it was discovered that it was very dangerous after all. It happens
all the time. But thanks for the advice. I will ask which products are used
and take note of them hoping that they tell the truth. I will also ask to
see his permit..

Richard

>> Hi,
>> I don't think that any extermination firm would ever said that their
[quoted text clipped - 102 lines]
>>>>
>>>> Richard

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