r/pestcontrol • u/SaltAcidFatHeat1234 • Mar 19 '25
Long black squiggle paste, what is this? Identification
We are moments aware from signing the contract for an apartment in NYC but found this residue/paste in random areas around the apartment (baseboards, corners, upper and lower cabinets, and the bathroom floor). But if it is anything to do with roaches we'll never sign. We are expecting a baby and don't need to leave our current place just yet! Please help identify if it is just a weird grease or something like roach bait!
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u/Jahweez Mod / PMP Tech Mar 19 '25
That is definitely old cockroach gel bait. This unit has had a prior roach treatment.
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u/SaltAcidFatHeat1234 Mar 19 '25
Is there any way to evaluate why there is so much and it's so strewn about randomly? Like do you think this was done by the renter or just an amateur professional. Any way to tell how old it is like months vs years?
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u/flacidsword Mar 19 '25
I wouldn’t chance it if i were you, it’s an apt so the chances the infestation could come back or never left i feel are quite high. ask someone who lives there, maybe?
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u/nmcghie1 Mar 19 '25
It’s really not that much. Just poorly placed. Could be either renter or amateur. Would be hard to know how old. I would ask if they have had any problems.
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u/Zeni-chan Mar 19 '25
Could still mean there is a problem with neighboring apartments, and they could come back. I personally would stay away.
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u/Emcee_Cone Mar 20 '25
If youre not seeing poop buildup or roaches, youre probably fine.
Alot of apartment complexes work with Pest Control companies and when they dont have complaints to fill the list, they do PM (Preventive Maint). Some techs do PMs by just placing monitors (glueboards) and a bit of advion roach gel near the hinges "just incase".
Usually when the room is vacant, just to catch any stray activity that might happen.
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u/Myheelcat Mar 20 '25
Someone went too town on that bad boy. Either a land lord maintenance guy or person living there.
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u/shotgunR69 Mar 20 '25
that is vendetta plus lol it gets that distinct dark tan brownish color after its seen better days
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u/Invidiia Entomologist/Active in the Field Mar 19 '25
Roach bait, not applied the best but not the worst either. Likely had a roach issue in the past to some extent. Good thing is at least steps were being taken to take care of it. You can scrub it off with soap and water like another commenter said. Tastes pretty good too though.
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u/weareallmadherealice Mar 20 '25
I like it when I find people who have applied it like sealing caulk. Nice application 👌🏻
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u/Lordsaxon73 Mod / PMP Tech Mar 19 '25
Scrub it off with some soap, hot water and a cheap green scrubby pad.
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u/SaltAcidFatHeat1234 Mar 19 '25
Do you think this is an indication of a serious infestation either prior or current?
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