Two years ago, I saw my first roach.
I did what anyone would do. I grabbed my keys and drove straight to Home Depot.
Bought a can of Raid. $7.99.
Thought I'd solved the problem.
I was so naive.
The Spending Death Spiral
Let me show you exactly how they got me:
Month 1: Raid isn't working. Bought Combat bait stations. $12.99
Month 2: Still seeing roaches. Upgraded to Hot Shot foggers. $24.99
Month 3: Foggers made it worse. Bought "professional grade" Bengal spray. $19.99
Month 4: Called an exterminator. They said I needed a "one-time deep treatment." $295
Month 5: Roaches came back. Exterminator said I needed monthly service. Signed a contract. $49.99/month
Month 6-12: Paid monthly. Still saw roaches every week. $299.94 total
Year 2: Cancelled exterminator. Tried boric acid, gel baits, IGR, diatomaceous earth, essential oils. $187 in products
Month 18: Desperate. Hired a different exterminator. "Our formula is stronger." $350
Month 20: They wanted me on monthly contract too. I said no. Roaches came back in 5 weeks.
Month 22-24: Bought every product I could find online. $243.28
I added it all up on a Tuesday night.
$2,347.18
And there was a roach on my kitchen counter while I did the math.