Grex Consumer Conference

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Grex Consumer Item 13: Pest Control Problem
Entered by klg on Wed Jul 6 21:18:25 UTC 1994:

Just had a visit from the exterminator.  He wants a lot of money to go
into the walls and spray multiple times over the next few months.  How
can I find out if he's telling me the truth?

11 responses total.

#1 of 11 by headdoc on Thu Jul 7 10:26:17 1994:

There are some ecologically concerned exterminators out there.  Why not call
one and see what they say.  They generally tend to use less toxic stuff and
minimize pesticide use.  I believe we use a guy from a place called Creepy
Crawlers or some such.  If you are really interested, Ill check with my husband
and get the name and phone number.  My thought, regardless, is to get a second
opinion.

#2 of 11 by font on Fri Jun 25 13:01:28 1999:

Hey, I'm looking for an exterminator who's not expensive but does
a good job.  (isn't that what everyone's looking for?)
If you are not happy with one, *please* tell me who they are so I know
to avoid them.  It's an outdoor job, and we have indoor/outdoor cats.
(so haneously toxic stuff hanging around is a bad plan...we do like our
cats)  Let me know!

#3 of 11 by scg on Fri Jun 25 20:59:19 1999:

What are you trying to get rid of, and how many of them?

#4 of 11 by i on Sat Jun 26 01:09:55 1999:

(And how sure are you on the identification, head count, and location(s)?)

#5 of 11 by keesan on Mon Jun 28 13:44:09 1999:

If it is ants, try boric acid mixed with sugar near the nest entrance.  Toxic
only to creatures with very small insides (mechanical damage).

#6 of 11 by rcurl on Mon Jun 28 15:51:42 1999:

Boric acid is somewhat toxic. Adults have died after consuming as little
as 5 grams. Chronic consumption of smaller amounts causes skin and
gastric disturbances.

#7 of 11 by keesan on Mon Jun 28 21:30:20 1999:

So why is it considered safe as eyewash?

#8 of 11 by rcurl on Tue Jun 29 02:04:27 1999:

You don't drink significant quantities since boric acid is only slightly
soluble in water. It has been used medicinally for various purposes, such
as an acidifier.

#9 of 11 by wlevak on Fri Jul 2 04:48:55 1999:

Ingestion or absorption may cause nausea, vommiting, diarrhea, abdominal
cramps, erythematous lesions on skin and mucous membranes, circulatory
collapse, tachycardia, cyanosis, delirium, convulsions, coma. Death has
occurred from les than 5 g in infants and from 5 to 20 g in adults.
     - Merck Index

#10 of 11 by rcurl on Fri Jul 2 06:34:34 1999:

The Merck Index was my source too, but I didn't think all the grusome
details were needed...  8^}

#11 of 11 by rickyb on Fri Jul 2 13:29:25 1999:

[ergo..for external use only]

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