One of the things I've done for awhile is this --> I fix computers for folks, when time permits. Where I used to live, I used to do it with a group that would re-image, 're-fresh' and/or clean up (spyware and that stuff) computers for elderly and poor folks. I've done about 300 machines, it was very rewarding. I never really discussed it much here, but it's one of the "pay it forward" type things that I feel I can do which makes a difference for folks... I do it less than I used to, lately but I plan on creating a new group in my area over the winter months.
I've only had two negative experiences. Once, a few years ago, one of the machines I was given was infected with roaches. (UGH) That almost led to a nasty situation in my apt.
The other was about a month ago. I had a few machines I was working on for someone who needed help, and when I popped off the cover in my basement, to physically clean it out, a bunch of fleas were in there (UGHHH)...
So we spent that weekend treating the whole house - bombing every room, treating every piece of furniture, doing all the clothes and all the rest of the stuff... we left the traps around the house and went away for a week (trip was already planned) when we came back, there were no little friends in there, and we're good to go a month later, so I think we nipped it in the bud...
I'm still goiing to work on machines, but will do so outside the house. Hafta figure out the best way to handle this sort of thing. (OMG< writing this made me sooooo freaking itchy) Be Well.
Thats quite a surprise, its sad to think you have to consider possible pest infestations inside someones CPU. I'm glad to hear this wasnt an angry person going after you for fixing their computer how they didnt like though.
How did you safely remove them from the computer, I wouldnt think you could hose it with insecticide?
[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 08-25-2014).]
I put the tower in a garbage bag, sealed it up inside another bag, sprayed as much killer as I felt I could inside and set it out back for a few days.
Cockroaches like warm places.
Worse for me was opening a case that was filled with little spiders. I have a real fear of spiders, and dozens of them rushing out at me literally gave me nightmares.
Hafta figure out the best way to handle this sort of thing.
Before even opening the computer, seal it in a plastic garbage bag with a couple of tablespoons of paradichlorobenzene moth crystals (or several PDB mothballs). Let it sit for at least 48 hours. The gas that sublimates from the solid PDB will permeate everything, and it will kill adult critters, pupae, larvae, and eggs. Simple and effective. Contact with solid PDB may stain some plastics, so you may want to put the crystals/balls in a porous cloth bag.
I am allergic to flees, at least flee bites. Even had a Dog, Nicky who was also allergic to them, we could always tell if she got one flee on her, she would chew herself raw trying to get it.
we used to watch a friends Bull dog when ever she went away, every time that dog came over it was infested with flees, after the second time the dog got dipped before it ever came in the house and she was charged accordingly, how she couldn't tell was beyond me, it was a house dog. The woman had a PHD, Pretty Helpless Dumbass. She was a college professor who taught health I think it was, biggest idiot I ever met ! I swear there is no way that woman ever went to school for what she taught, her parents must have paid the school off to get her that degree.
Now I itch all over !
Steve
------------------ Technology is great when it works, and one big pain in the ass when it doesn't
