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Exterminator in Ft Lauderdale?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by SeaLion, Jun 8, 2019.

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  1. SeaLion

    SeaLion Senior Member

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    Any suggestions for a reputable exterminator in Ft Lauderdale for boat roaches (the insect type)? I used a guy for my home but didn't feel he was somebody I could recommend for a boat.
  2. boatme99

    boatme99 Member

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    First, tell the crew to quit toking up in the bilges! :D

    How big is the vessel? Something you can do yourself or large yacht?
  3. SeaLion

    SeaLion Senior Member

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    For medicinal use, I'm sure. Cures seasickness? ;-)

    54' A DIY job in my view, but the owner is not a hands on type and wants to call somebody.
  4. boatme99

    boatme99 Member

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    Ok. It's tough to do yourself but it wouldn't be too bad on a 54'.
    It takes a multi product approach. Traps, poison, and boric acid (powder). And lots of cleaning!

    Set traps in their traffic areas, spread boric acid in all interior areas like cabinets, crevices, anywhere dark, and also spray poison everywhere else that's hard to get to.

    Room foggers are basically inefective against roaches. The spray simply covers surfaces, it doesn't really get into spaces where roaches live.

    Good luck with the job.
  5. chesapeake46

    chesapeake46 Senior Member

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    Also if Boric acid gets wet and hard, it is not as effective as when sprinkled from the container when fresh. Fluffy powder works best.
  6. olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    He didn't ask about DIY, asked for an exterminator.
  7. boatme99

    boatme99 Member

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    I know. Just trying to give you an idea of whats involved. Now you'll know not to hire some guy who just says he'll spray or fog and get rid of them. It ain't that easy.

    And FYI, I did have a chemical applicators license in AZ. Granted, it was many years ago but killing roaches hasn't really changed much, I'd imagine.:D
  8. CTdave

    CTdave Senior Member

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    I had the same issue in FL a few years ago on my 50 sport fish. I bought 4 insect bombs at the Depot, fired one in the forward cabin and quickly moved aft placing them in each large area. The next morning was nasty. I had only seen a few previously but the wet vacuum had to be used for hundreds of carcasses. I’m sure they are a delicacy somewhere in the world;-)
    Good luck.
  9. SeaLion

    SeaLion Senior Member

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    Thanks! I figure the right pro can do the job without toxic (to humans and pets) fog that leaves residue and stink.
  10. d_meister

    d_meister Senior Member

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    I ran a boat that picked up a roach problem, once. Learned a few things about the issue. First thing is that roaches carry hundreds of eggs on their bodies. Kill the roach, and the eggs hatch later. Second is that boric acid kills roaches by the fine crystals getting into their leg joints and grinding them apart. Maybe that's true, maybe not, but once the roach is dead from the boric acid (or starvation), the eggs still hatch.
    If you want to get rid of the roaches, get sticky traps. The roach gets onto the sticky and struggles forward, getting a ways onto the trap. After the roach is stuck on it, the eggs hatch, and you can see all the minuscule progeny stuck in the sticky around the dead roach a few days later. That's what worked on the 72' boat I was on.
    If you must hire someone, get references and actually check them out.
  11. ychtcptn

    ychtcptn Senior Member

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    Lighthouse Point, FL
    Dead bug Edwards seems to be the go to company for yachts these days.
    They did a full fumigation of our 50m and they seemed to know what they were doing.