This black stuff is ROACH POOP!

[Kris Haskins]

Since 2004, I've been in the biz without a serious roach issue. But, I guess it was my time plus I knew I shouldn't have let this tenant move in.   I own a house in a challenging part of town and I've always had a long vacancy when my tenants move out.  So, when this lady applied, I relaxed my screening and on top of that, the government(Section 8) paid 100% of her rent.  After 3 years of renting to her and finding out she was completely FILTHY, I had to choose peace of mind over money so I terminated her lease.  

     I knew she was dirty, but when I took possession after she moved out, I was in shock walking in the door.  I had the place treated for roaches a month before she moved out but once the place was empty, OMGsus!!!!  I walked in and smelled that familiar smell of funk and burned almonds.  Looking around I saw that tell tale sign of black dotted stains around the outlets and the light switches, pic is attached.  

I took a few of the outlets off and saw the above image.  I've always wondered what that black powder-like paste was every time roaches were present.  After doing some research on the internet and talking to my mentor I finally found out what it is....

ROACH POOP!!!!

  Yes, when roaches have a trail they like to follow behind the walls, they leave droppings during their travels.  I took off the outlet and poop was caked on the receptacles and piled up behind the face plates.  The smell took me weeks to remove, and I'm sure I didn't get all of it because it's behind the walls.  My appliances were ruined(didn't get a pic of those) plus no body wanted to work in the unit while I was treating it for roaches.  Lesson learned; Be more proactive when you know roaches are present, from the beginning.  After being cursed out several times from my mentally sick tenant, I couldn't get a contractor to go do any work, neither did I want to go over to the house.  But, I got her out and it's now roach free, plus I have some great new tenants.  I'm glad I got rid of her in order to receive a blessing of a peaceful person in my unit.  Please tell me, what roach stories you've had BP????