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Hi
I received a package today that was infested with Cockroaches. The seller is claiming they live in a pet, pest, smoke free home. That this infestation had to happen from the post office. There are about 50 cockroaches. I have reached out to eBay, to dispute. I’m not sure what to do with the cockroach infested box. I cannot give this to my future husband as a wedding gift. I can’t leave this in my house. It’s currently in a sealed tote, but I am worried the cockroaches will escape and end up in my house. Any advice would be great.
Do what you can to eradicate the insects. There is no telling where the bugs came from and even whether they are native or foreign invaders (they could have hatched in transit from an overseas warehouse).
Use bug spray if you are willing. Otherwise, since they are captive and sealed in an airtight tote, you can probably fumigate the tote with a dish of something deadly. We used to put bugs in a jar with either a mothball or a squirt of lighter fluid (it would require a bit more to fumigate a tote). If you don't have those, try other noxious substances like paint thinner or nail polish remover (acetone) in a ceramic dish and try to avoid direct contact with the plastic. You might also be able to eradicate them by filling the tote with water and flushing down the toilet. If the item itself is infested and won't fit in the tote, you may have to manually search and destroy.
The seller is responsible for the shipment, regardless of whether the "damage" occurred while at the post office or prior to shipping. Do not ship the box back with live bugs. Instead, ask the seller how they would like to handle the situation should you open a "not as described" claim, since you may have to destroy the box.
