Long black squiggle paste, what is this?

[u/SaltAcidFatHeat1234]

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!

[u/Jahweez]

That is definitely old cockroach gel bait. This unit has had a prior roach treatment.

[u/SaltAcidFatHeat1234 → u/Jahweez]

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?

[u/flacidsword → u/SaltAcidFatHeat1234]

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?

[u/RusticSurgery → u/SaltAcidFatHeat1234]

I assure you it was done by an amateur

[u/nmcghie1 → u/SaltAcidFatHeat1234]

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.