Cockroaches

If they haven't already done it, I suggest they get up in the middle of the night if they want to find out how bad the infestation us - go into the kitchen ( or wherever they have previously seen cockroaches), switch on the light and they might find that there are dozens scurrying about on every surface!

We had viewed our infested property in broad daylight, as you do. It was perfectly clean, with no sign of cockroaches. When we moved in, we arrived at midnight, opened the door and they were everywhere! Several months of thorough cleaning and copious amounts of spray reduced the numbers, but try as we might, we couldn't get rid of them all.

Fortunately, it was only the first morning or two when I found dead ones in my bed that had obviously crawled in after me, and got squashed when I had rolled over!!!

I would have the same reaction if it was mice Emma14. I have a terrible phobia and would be totally unable to live in that environment.

Landlord responsibly totally. Would also contact local authority environmental health dept, they would certainly know what should be done. Why did DS take on property with it being filthy? If this is a flat you can rest assured others in building will also have infestation.

Emm14 You have every right to be concerned.I would not stay in a damp property and even if only two cockroaches had been observed would be worried that there could be more hiding around. Your SIl should inform his landlord as this is not a healthy situation in which to bring up a child.

I ageee with Gillybob and Bluegal but think the landlord should be footing the bill.

The Landlord has responsibility to ensure the place is fit for human habitation, it sounds like it wasn’t. There are government enforcers now who will take the landlord to task if he doesn’t respond. You need to face up to this problem and act in the best interest of your grandchild, I know I would kick up an almighty storm if my GC were living in those conditions, it’s not acceptable in this day & age.

Totally agree with MamaCaz ... a landlord should be dealing with this immediately. It’s a serious health and safety issue and even more so with a baby.

Actually, as this is a rental, shouldn't the landlord be responsible for the professional work needed to deal with this infestation? I suggest that your son and DiL seek advice from the relevent authorities.

I lived for several months in a cockroach-infested apartment in Spain. Awful! Because these things hide in dark places (shoes, bags, folded clothing etc.), it would be all too easy to inadvertently take them home with you after staying in an infested property, so I would definitely not stay over!

Based on my experience, I would say that it is impossible to solve the problem without professional help, as cockroaches (and especially their young) hide in such tiny, hidden crevices that you could not possibly get rid of them with a standard 'deep clean'.

Cockroaches used to be prolific in the 60s when I worked in old hospitals, there were notices on the kitchen walls warning not to turn out lights on nightshift because you would return to a carpet of them.
Just get the marigolds out and some hot soapy water.

You are not on your own having a phobia about cockroaches. I could not stay there either. When we lived in the Far East they used to call them the great leveller, as no-one could avoid them from the highest to the lowest, but they truly used to freak me out. Can they not get the landlord to do a deep clean and get rid of them?

Yes OldMeg is right, you need to see for yourself how bad it is.
Good idea from Bluegal as well if funds will stretch to it. They need some help now, perhaps you could look after the baby whilst they get on with the cleaning.

I agree with Bluegals suggestion . If you can afford to have the place cleaned and fumigated while they stay in a hotel with you, otherwise I think I would just have to overcome my fear and get the place cleaned up myself ( or else you could volunteer to look after the little one while they do it ) I don’t mind scrubbing and cleaning as long as I have rubber gloves. I agree not nice when they have a small child. Good luck Emm14

Oh dear, difficult one. What was their last home like? I’m surprised your son and DiL agreed to rent a filthy property with a young child...could your daughter be overstating the filth perhaps?

I think you need to assess the situation for yourself.

Whilst not pleasant this can be dealt with as with all pests like fleas and bed bugs.

If you can afford it why not suggest they all join you in a hotel and get the place fumigated and professionally cleaned while you are away?

I would try not to freak out but be practical although I understand if you have a genuine phobia of anything it’s difficult to remain calm.

If they have seen two, there will be many more hiding . If you have a fear of them, stay in a motel.

If you want to help the situation, buy them some insect "bombs" to treat their home.

I feel sorry that they have to live there. I couldn't stay either.