Advice on Unwanted Critters

I'm with Rose on this one--I lived in Texas myself for 7 years and that place is pretty buggy. It really doesn't reflect on your cousin's housekeeping, especially in an apartment where they might wander in from next door. (Down there they are commonly/politely called "waterbugs," as people do acknowledge that the critters come in regardless of precautions.)

The problem with having her bomb her apt. is that your 4-year-old will be exposed to freshly-poisoned surfaces (carpet, upholstery, etc.). To me that's scarier than a bug, and I'm an arachnophobe!

Take Rose's advice and switch the lights on when moving about at night. Keep a flashlight handy; use a nightlight. But really, I don't recall ever seeing one outside a kitchen or bath--they are looking for food and/or water, and aren't interested in the rooms that only have furniture.

One other thing--Palestine has a great little excursion steam train--a little half-hour ride through the trees--that is lots of fun. I hope you enjoy your visit!

My husband is from Texas and when our children were young we went to visit our Texas relatives quite often. Roaches and bugs are a problem there. It doesn't mean that your cousin is unclean. Even if the management sprayed they will come back.
Make sure your suitcase and purses etc... are closed up at night and off the floor. If you need to get up and go to the bathroom during the night, turn on the light first and look in your slippers. For that matter you might sleep with the light on.
I never had any bother me, I did see a lizard crawling up the wall, they are harmless and got in through the air-conditioner.

I queried home remedies for roach control and found this site. I've not tried any of them. I also found a site where you can order "Poison Free Ant and Roach Killer." It's an aerosol spray. You may be able to find something like it at a store.

Here's the site for home remedies:

http://www.home-remedy.org/home-remedies-for-roaches.html

http://www.riddexplus.com/

This is immediate, cheap, and chemical free... there are many other brands to choose from if you don't like this on. If it works, it makes a great gift to say thank you for letting you stay in her home.

Have her buy some roach bombs and set them off before you come. One in each room with all plants and animals out of the house. Also make sure all food is tightly covered or in the frig. while bombing. These dont stop the problem long term but will clear them out for your visit. Also youi might suggest not keeping paper bags or paper products stored in the apartment, as roaches breed in them. The good news is that they do not tend to venture as much into bedrooms, as they do in kitchens and bathrooms, that have water suppplies. Do keep your suitcases tightly closed. Good luck and have a great trip.